Partying with Phrasal Verbs!

Happy New Year from Lingua Link DC!  Going to a party on New Year’s Eve is very common in the United States. To help you ring in the new year with confidence, we’re back with another post about phrasal verbs. This time we’ll review some phrasal verbs and expressions commonly used at parties. As a tutor and coach, I always strive to make my clients feel more at ease with their English. Parties are a great place to practice English in a relaxed environment where people are there to celebrate and have fun! 

Now, imagine you’ve been asked to come to a reception or party…

You will have to engage in small talk, strike up (start) a conversation with a stranger, or talk to a colleague about the weather, food, or maybe something more interesting. Here are some typical situations you may come across (encounter unexpectedly) at a party.

Emma has been invited to a New Year’s Eve party. She’s friends with the host of the party, Martina.

Arriving at the Party

What to say if the host of the party greets you when you arrive:

Emma: Hi Martina, thank you so much for inviting me.

Martina: Thank you for coming, you look great! You can put your coat over there.

Emma: Great!

Martina: There’s food and drink in the next room. Please help yourself!

Emma: Thanks!

What to say if someone you don’t know greets you when you arrive:

Emma: Hi, I don’t think we’ve met before. My name is Emma.

Jackie: Nice to meet you Emma. I’m Jackie. How do you know Martina?

Emma: We used to work together. How about you?

Jackie: We’re old college friends. It’s so nice to finally meet you. I’ve heard great things about you! Please help yourself to the buffet and drinks.

Emma: Great, thanks!

Eating and Drinking

Emma: I’m ready to check out the buffet [pointing at the food]. This is quite a spread (a lot of food).

Martina: We have an excellent caterer.

Emma: Is that fresh bread?

Martina: It is, do you want me to cut you off a slice?

Emma: Sure, thanks, it smells delicious!

Martina: Here’s your bread. Can I top you off (pour more drink into your glass)?

Emma: Please do, I won’t say no!

Martina: When you’re done with your plate you can just put it down over there.

Emma: Will someone pick up after us?

Martina: Yes, just leave it there. Now let’s mingle!

Starting a Conversation and Networking

Martina: [greeting Jackie]: Hi Jackie, this is my former colleague Emma.

Emma: Hi Jackie, we met earlier, but nice to see you again!

Jackie: How great is this party?

Emma: I’m having so much fun. Do you live in the city, Jackie?

Jackie: I do. 

Emma: How long have you lived here?

Jackie: About ten years. I moved here right after college. 

Emma: The same time as Martina. Did you move here together?

Jackie: We did actually. We were roommates for a while.

Emma: Wow, that sounds fun. I overheard you and Martina talking about your restaurant?

Jackie: Yes, I own a small restaurant across town.

Emma: That’s so interesting. You must be very busy!

Jackie: Yeah, food service is hard work but I love it.

Emma: Speaking of food, the buffet here is outstanding.

Jackie: Isn’t it? I know the owner of the catering company. She’s great. I’ll let her know you liked the food.

Emma: Please do. The bread is especially good.

Jackie: Bread is her speciality.

Emma: I love it. I’m an event planner for a large marketing firm. We’re always looking for good food and beverage vendors. 

Jackie: Oh wow, what a coincidence. I’ll be happy to write down her contact info for you.

Emma: Thanks for that! Actually, let me pull out my business card. Here you go. Maybe we can stay in touch? My team works with a lot of restaurant suppliers so I’m trying to learn more about the business.

Jackie: Certainly, let’s meet up sometime soon for coffee and I’ll show you the ropes (show you how it works).

Emma: Excellent, for now, let’s grab another (get another) drink!

Jackie: Great idea.

Emma: Let’s have a toast!

Jackie: Cheers, here’s to meeting new friends!

Emma: Well, it’s been great talking to you [looking at watch]. Oh wow, it’s getting late. Time flies when you’re having fun. I gotta go soon but look forward to catching up with you later!

Thanking the Host and Leaving the Party

Emma: Thanks again for inviting me to the party. I had so much fun meeting people and enjoying the fabulous buffet.

Martina: Thank you for coming. I’m so glad you and Jackie hit it off (meeting someone you can become friends with).

Emma: We did. We’re going to meet up soon to discuss the ins and outs (the way things work) of the restaurant business.

Martina: Well, let’s catch up again soon and say “hi” to John for me.

Emma: Will do. Sorry he couldn’t make it, he’s feeling under the weather (feeling sick).

Martina: Sorry to hear that. Well, thanks again and good night.

Emma: Goodbye.