How to book and change appointments in English
Can I get a haircut on Saturday morning?
“Can I book a haircut on Saturday morning?”
When: Calling or walking into a barbershop or salon
The moment
It's Saturday in Queens and you have a list: book a haircut at the barbershop, mail a package at the post office, and move your dentist appointment to another day.
A2 · Unit 3 · Daily life
The lines
Booking a haircut
Ask with "Can I get..." plus the thing and the time: "Can I get a haircut on Saturday morning?" It sounds friendly and normal, not rude.
Can I get a haircut on Saturday morning?
“Can I book a haircut on Saturday morning?”
When to use it: Calling or walking into a barbershop or salon
What you’ll hear back: Sure, we have a ten-thirty. Does that work for you? (Is that time okay for you?)
Changing an appointment
When you can't go, say "I need to reschedule": "I need to reschedule my appointment." Then give a reason with "because" and ask for a new day.
I need to reschedule my appointment.
“I need to move my appointment to a different time.”
When to use it: Calling a dentist, salon, or any office
What you’ll hear back: No problem. What day works better for you?
Words for this scene
| Word or phrase | Say it | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| I need to mail this package. | ai NEED-uh MAYL this PAK-ij | I want to send this box to someone. |
Hi, I need to mail this package to Chicago. Hello, I want to send this box to Chicago. Tip: Americans say "mail", not "post"; ask for a tracking number. | ||
| What time do you close today? | wut TAIM duh-yuh KLOHZ tuh-DAY | When does this place stop being open today? |
Quick question, what time do you close today? One small question: when does this place close today? Tip: Many shops close early on Sundays; most post offices are closed. | ||
| Just a trim, please. | JUST-uh TRIM pleez | Only cut a little bit of my hair, please. |
Not too short. Just a trim, please. Don't make it very short. Only cut a little, please. Tip: Tip your barber or stylist about 15 to 20 percent. | ||
Your objective
Book a haircut for a day and time that suit you, then ask what it costs to send a parcel and, when it’s too much, ask for a cheaper way.
- a day and time for the haircut
- the cost of the parcel
- a cheaper way to send it
Lines that get it done
- Can I get a haircut on Saturday morning?
- I need to mail this package. · I want to send this box to someone.
In the live scene the objective stays on screen, and the Replay afterwards says whether you got it done.
Check yourself
1. You can't go to your dentist on Tuesday. What do you say on the phone?
- I need to reschedule my appointment.
- I need to replace my appointment.
- I need to cancel my appointment again later.
- I need to reserve my appointment back.
Show the answer
I need to reschedule my appointment.
"Reschedule" means move the appointment to a new day or time.
2. The barber says: "We have a ten-thirty. Does that work for you?" What is he asking?
- Is 10:30 a good time for you?
- Do you work at 10:30?
- Can you work for us at 10:30?
- Did you come at 10:30?
Show the answer
Is 10:30 a good time for you?
"Does that work for you?" asks if a time or plan is okay for you.
3. At the post office, the clerk asks: "Do you want tracking on that?" What is she offering?
- A number to follow where your package is.
- A bigger box for your package.
- Faster delivery for free.
- A bag to carry your package home.
Show the answer
A number to follow where your package is.
"Tracking" lets you check online where your package is on its way.