Making Appointments in English: Essential Tips and Vocabulary

How to Make an Appointment in English

There are many reasons why you might need to make an appointment in English, especially when studying abroad. But how do you know the right words to use? Whether you're booking a hair appointment, reserving a table, or arranging a house viewing, we're here to help.

Appointment customs can be different depending on the country. Here are some important tips for making appointments in person, over the phone, and by email in English.

Start by clearly stating why you're calling or visiting:

• “Hello, I’m calling to book a haircut appointment, please.”

• “Hello, I’d like to book a table for tonight.”

• “Hello, I’m interested in seeing a house I found online.”

The person you're speaking to might ask for details like your name and contact information, as well as when you'd like to come in. They might also ask you to spell your name, so it's good to be ready for that. Here are some things you might hear:

• “What’s your name?”

• “Can I have your phone number/email address?” or “What’s your phone number/email address?”

• “Can you come in on (date) at (time)?” or “When would you like to come in?”

Useful responses:

• “I’m sorry, I’m not available then.”

• “Do you have any openings on (date)?”

• “I can only come in during the afternoon/morning.”

Other questions you might be asked:

• “What would you like to have done?” (if you’re booking a treatment)

• “Where would you like to sit?” (if you’re making a dinner reservation)

• “Do you know where we are?” (this means: do you know our location?)

If you're emailing, start by asking if they have any appointments available. Then give them the information they need.

If something comes up and you can't make it to your appointment, let the business know as soon as you can. If you're comfortable, you can tell them why. If not, you can keep it simple:

• “I can't make it to my appointment because of something unexpected.”

Remember to apologise and see if you can reschedule!

Making appointments might feel a bit scary, especially when you're speaking English. But with practice, it gets easier! If you want to improve your English skills, take a look at our General English Course.

If you have any questions or need help, feel free to contact us or explore our schools to find your perfect fit.