English - Future Plans

Lesson 70 of 139

Young adults talking about weekend plans — English learning for future plans.

Goal: Talking about upcoming plans, priorities, and money

Free English lessons with audio, guided practice, and speaking support.

Ready to practice real-life English for making (and not making) plans? This short lesson focuses on useful phrases you can use when talking about your week, weekend, money goals, and invitations. Have fun and speak out loud!

Level B1: In this lesson you'll practice eight natural chunks for talking about future personal plans — asking about plans, explaining uncertain details, saying you have no fixed plans, and talking about saving money and what you look forward to. These phrases are practical for invitations, arranging time, and explaining priorities.

After this lesson you'll be able to:

  • Level B1: Learn and use 8 common phrases for personal future plans and priorities.
  • Ask about someone's schedule and suggest activities (e.g., "Are you doing anything ___?" and "What do you want to do after ___?").
  • Explain unfinished decisions and financial goals (e.g., "I still have to figure out ___" and "I'm saving up for ___").
Two friends checking each other's schedules and talking about saving money for a trip — lesson on future plans.

Ready? Let's go!

When you tap play on phrases, we track your progress through this lesson.

1. Reading + Listening Practice

Hear core phrases, repeat aloud.

I'm trying to make time for ___.

Say that a plan is important but time is limited

Meaning: Say that a plan is important but time is limited.

When to use: Use this when you want to fit an activity into a busy schedule.

Tip: Beginners sometimes say "I try to make time" instead of the present continuous; use "I'm trying" to show an ongoing effort.

I'm trying to make time for exercise every Monday.
I'm trying to make time for exercise every Monday.
I'm trying to make time for family dinners next month.
I'm trying to make time for family dinners next month.

I still have to figure out ___.

Explain that a decision or detail still needs to be worked out

Meaning: Explain that a decision or detail still needs to be worked out.

When to use: Use this to say that part of a plan is not decided yet.

I still have to figure out the train times.
I still have to figure out the train times.
I still have to figure out who will come with me.
I still have to figure out who will come with me.

I don't have any fixed plans.

Say that there are no definite plans

Meaning: Say that there are no definite plans.

When to use: Use this when your schedule is open or you haven't confirmed anything.

I don't have any fixed plans for Saturday.
I don't have any fixed plans for Saturday.
I don't have any fixed plans for the holidays yet.
I don't have any fixed plans for the holidays yet.

Are you doing anything ___?

Ask if someone has plans at a specific time

Meaning: Ask if someone has plans at a specific time.

When to use: Use this to invite someone or check availability.

Are you doing anything this evening?
Are you doing anything this evening?
Are you doing anything next Friday?
Are you doing anything next Friday?

What do you want to do after ___?

Ask about someone's preferred future action after an event

Meaning: Ask about someone's preferred action after an event.

When to use: Use this to plan what to do next after a meeting, concert, or activity.

What do you want to do after the movie?
What do you want to do after the movie?
What do you want to do after work?
What do you want to do after work?

I'm looking forward to ___.

Express positive anticipation about a future event

Meaning: Express positive anticipation about a future event.

When to use: Use this to say you're excited about something coming up.

I'm looking forward to the trip.
I'm looking forward to the trip.
I'm looking forward to seeing you next week.
I'm looking forward to seeing you next week.

I'm saving up for ___.

Talk about preparing financially for a future goal

Meaning: Talk about preparing financially for a future goal.

When to use: Use this to explain saving money for a purchase or trip.

Tip: Don't say "I save up for" when describing an ongoing plan; prefer "I'm saving up for" to show it's current.

I'm saving up for a new phone.
I'm saving up for a new phone.
I'm saving up for a vacation next summer.
I'm saving up for a vacation next summer.

I don't think I'll ___.

Expressing that a future action is unlikely or not intended

Meaning: Express that a future action is unlikely or not intended.

When to use: Use this to talk about what you probably won't do.

I don't think I'll go out tonight.
I don't think I'll go out tonight.
I don't think I'll join the meeting.
I don't think I'll join the meeting.

2. Conversational Listening Practice

Hear phrases in a real mini-conversation.

Making weekend plans

Anna and David discuss weekend plans, what they look forward to, and money goals — listening practice for B1 learners.

Who says they are saving money for something?

Portrait of Anna in a English lesson dialogue

Anna

Are you doing anything this weekend?

Anna asks about David's weekend plans.

Portrait of David in a English lesson dialogue

David

I don't have any fixed plans. I'm trying to make time for a short trip to the lake.

David says he has no definite plans and wants to make time for a trip.

Portrait of Anna in a English lesson dialogue

Anna

That sounds lovely. I'm saving up for a new tent, but I still have to figure out the size.

Anna explains she is saving and hasn't decided the size yet.

Portrait of David in a English lesson dialogue

David

What do you want to do after we get there?

David asks what Anna wants to do later.

Portrait of Anna in a English lesson dialogue

Anna

I'm looking forward to relaxing and cooking by the water.

Anna expresses excitement about relaxing.

Portrait of David in a English lesson dialogue

David

I don't think I'll stay late — I have an early meeting Monday.

David says he probably won't stay late because of work.

3. Guided Practice

Quizzes and matching to lock in meaning.

Which phrase asks whether someone has plans at a particular time?

Which phrase means you have no definite plans?

Which phrase expresses excitement about a future event?

Which phrase says you need to decide details of a plan?

I don't have any fixed plans.

Friend: Do you have plans for Saturday? You: ___

What do you want to do after ___?

Anna: We could grab coffee after the concert. David: ___

I still have to figure out ___

Maria: I want to book a flight, but I'm not sure which day is best. Maria: ___

Match the core phrases

Match the extra phrases

4. Speaking Practice

Say phrases yourself (mic/recording).

Recording stays on your device only. Check speech uses your browser's speech tools when available.

Say this phrase out loud:

I'm trying to make time for ___.

Say that a plan is important but time is limited.

Say this phrase out loud:

I still have to figure out ___.

Explain that a decision or detail still needs to be worked out.

Say this phrase out loud:

I don't have any fixed plans.

Say that there are no definite plans.

Say this phrase out loud:

Are you doing anything ___?

Ask if someone has plans at a specific time.

Say this phrase out loud:

What do you want to do after ___?

Ask about someone's preferred action after an event.

Say this phrase out loud:

I'm looking forward to ___.

Express positive anticipation about a future event.

Say this phrase out loud:

I'm saving up for ___.

Talk about preparing financially for a future goal.

Say this phrase out loud:

I don't think I'll ___.

Express that a future action is unlikely or not intended.