How to talk about your goals and plans in English
By this time next year, I'd like to be working for an international company.
“A year from now, I want to have a job at an international company.”
When: Sharing a one-year goal
The moment
You are at a rooftop bar in Queens with a new friend from your English meetup group. They ask why you are learning English and what you want to be doing a year from now, and you share your plans.
B1 · Unit 1 · Work & study
The lines
By this time next year, I'd like to…
To talk about a goal with a clear time, start with "By this time next year" and then say "I'd like to" plus the action: "By this time next year, I'd like to be working for an international company." "I'd like to" is softer and more natural than "I want to."
By this time next year, I'd like to be working for an international company.
“A year from now, I want to have a job at an international company.”
When to use it: Sharing a one-year goal
What you’ll hear back: That's awesome. Are you applying already? (Great! Have you started sending applications?)
The main reason I'm learning English is…
People often ask "Why English?" A clear, personal answer starts with "The main reason I'm learning English is" and then a real reason: "The main reason I'm learning English is that I want to get my master's in the US." A real story makes the conversation go on.
The main reason I'm learning English is that I want to get my master's in the US.
“I am learning English mainly because I want to do a master's degree in the US.”
When to use it: Explaining why you study the language
What you’ll hear back: Oh, nice! Where are you thinking of applying?
Words for this scene
| Word or phrase | Say it | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| I've always wanted to… | aiv AWL-wayz WAHN-id-uh | For a long time, I have had the wish to… |
I've always wanted to live in New York for a year, even just to try it. For a long time I have wished to live in New York for one year. Tip: Americans love a dream; people will cheer you on warmly. | ||
| I'm thinking about going back to school | aim THING-kin uh-bout GO-in BAK tuh SKOOL | I am considering studying again. |
I'm thinking about going back to school for a degree in data science. I might start studying again to get a data science degree. Tip: In the US, "school" also means college or university. | ||
| It's a long shot, but… | its uh LAWNG SHAHT buht | It will probably not happen, but I hope… |
It's a long shot, but I'd love to get a job at Google someday. It is not very likely, but I would really like to work at Google one day. Tip: Makes a big dream sound humble, not like bragging. | ||
Your objective
Explain why you’re learning the language, describe your plan for the coming year, and mention one idea you’re still unsure about.
- why you’re learning
- your plan for the year
- something you’re unsure about
Lines that get it done
- The main reason I'm learning English is that I want to get my master's in the US.
- By this time next year, I'd like to be working for an international company.
In the live scene the objective stays on screen, and the Replay afterwards says whether you got it done.
Check yourself
1. A friend asks where you see yourself in one year. Which answer sounds most natural?
- By this time next year, I'd like to be working for an international company.
- In this time of next year, I like to work for an international company.
- Until next year this time, I'd like working for an international company.
- By next year this time, I would to be working in an international company.
Show the answer
By this time next year, I'd like to be working for an international company.
"By this time next year" sets the deadline, and "I'd like to be working" shows a soft, clear goal.
2. You say, "It's a long shot, but I want to work at NASA." What do you mean?
- It probably won't happen, but I hope it does.
- I will get the job very soon.
- The job is very far away from my home.
- I don't really want the job.
Show the answer
It probably won't happen, but I hope it does.
"A long shot" is something that is not very likely. It keeps a big dream humble.
3. Your new friend asks, "So why are you learning English?" What is the best answer?
- The main reason I'm learning English is that I want to get my master's in the US.
- The main reason I learn English is because of for my master's in the US.
- Main reason is English I'm learning for master's in US.
- The reason main I'm learning English is to getting my master's in the US.
Show the answer
The main reason I'm learning English is that I want to get my master's in the US.
Start with "The main reason I'm learning English is" and then add "that" plus your full reason.