Vocabulary practice · Episode 125

Review the useful expressions from the episode

Study the episode’s central expressions with English definitions, nuance and examples, plus reviewed support-language versions where available.

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A short study session

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  1. Choose one expression. Read its definition, nuance and examples.
  2. Make it yours. Write one true sentence from your own life.
  3. Return to the episode. Listen for the expression in its original context.

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Vocabulary from the episode

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Expression 1

Something came up

An unexpected situation appeared and now affects your plans.

Nuance: Natural and deliberately unspecific; add a brief apology when cancelling.

I am sorry, but something came up.

Something has come up at work, so I cannot make it tonight.

Expression 2

I can't make it

I am unable to attend an event, meeting or arrangement.

Nuance: Common and conversational; it refers to attendance, not to creating something.

I am afraid I cannot make it on Friday.

She cannot make it to the meeting this afternoon.

Expression 3

Could we move it to...?

A polite request to change an arrangement to a different time or day.

Nuance: Move is neutral and useful when the new time could be earlier or later.

Could we move it to Thursday morning?

Could we move our call to three o’clock?

Expression 4

Does ... work for you?

A natural way to ask whether a proposed time or arrangement is convenient.

Nuance: Work means be suitable here, not perform a job.

Does Friday at eleven work for you?

Would a video call work for you?

Expression 5

I need to reschedule

I need to arrange the same appointment or event for a different time.

Nuance: Clear and professional; it usually implies that the plan will still happen.

I need to reschedule our appointment.

Could we reschedule for next week?

Expression 6

Could we push it back to...?

Could we move the arrangement to a later time or date?

Nuance: Push back always means later; do not use it when you want an earlier time.

Could we push it back to four o’clock?

Can we push the meeting back to Monday?

Expression 7

Could we bring it forward to...?

Could we move the arrangement to an earlier time or date?

Nuance: Bring forward means earlier in British English; in American English, move up is also common.

Could we bring it forward to ten?

They brought the deadline forward by two days.

Expression 8

Can we take a rain check?

Can we postpone this invitation and do it another time?

Nuance: Friendly and informal; best for social invitations rather than formal appointments.

I cannot have coffee today. Can I take a rain check?

Let us take a rain check and meet next weekend.

Expression 9

Let's find another time that works for both of us

Let us choose a different time that is convenient for each person.

Nuance: A collaborative closing line that shows you still value the arrangement.

Let us find another time that works for both of us.

We can find another day that works for everyone.

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