When you need this

People ask about your plans for two reasons. Sometimes it's small talk: "Any plans for tomorrow?" at the end of a workday. Sometimes it's the first step of an invitation: "Are you free tomorrow night?" usually means "I want to do something with you."

Learn to hear the difference, because the answer changes. For small talk, a short answer and a question back is perfect. For an invitation, answer the real question: say yes, or say no kindly and offer another time.

The most common question is "What are you doing tomorrow?", in the present continuous, even though it's about the future. It asks about plans that already exist. "What will you do tomorrow?" is correct grammar, but people rarely say it; it sounds like a teacher asking.

Phrases

the everyday way to ask about someone's plans

short, casual small talk

often the start of an invitation

asks about the timing of a plan

"I have no fixed plans"

a relaxed way to say your day is quiet

you have no free time tomorrow

the plan can change

you haven't decided

hands the question back

Say it out loud

Tap a sentence to hear it. Say it after the voice.

  1. The kind "no": thank them, give a reason, offer another time.

Practice · 3 min

Answer or ask. Situation on the left, one natural line on the right.

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Say it today

Use it once in a real conversation before tomorrow. Out loud counts, even to yourself.