How to make plans in English

In English, it's rare to use expressions like "I'll contact you tomorrow" or "Contact me next week" when you want to connect with clients, colleagues, and friends. "Contact me" sounds very blunt and direct. So, what alternatives can we use instead? Let's explore some alternatives that will make your communication sound more natural and friendly.

Touch base

A very common expression in professional settings is "to touch base." Originating from baseball, this phrase has found its way into business communication. For example, instead of saying "I'll contact you on Sunday after the meeting," you can say "I'll touch base with you on Sunday after the meeting."

Similarly, if you want someone to reach out to you after they've spoken with a client, you can ask them to "touch base" with you. "Touching base" can imply any form of contact, whether it's a phone call, a text message, an email, or an in-person meeting.

It's important to note that "touch base" is primarily used in office work and the business world, so be cautious about using it in casual or personal contexts. Your friends and family might find it strange if you use it with them.

In touch

Another flexible expression for both business and personal contexts is "to get in touch with someone." In a professional setting, your boss might ask you to "get in touch with Maria to discuss the budget." On the other hand, you can easily tell your friend or family member, "I'll get in touch with you on Sunday to let you know if I'm free on Monday."

This phrase allows for seamless communication across various contexts, making it a great choice for both formal and casual occasions.

Get hold of

If you're looking for an expression that works in both professional and social settings, "get hold of" is a good option. For example, you can say, "I was able to get hold of the client this morning." “Get hold of” is suitable for both formal business communications and informal social plans.

Informal expressions

Some expressions are highly informal, suitable only for friends or casual contexts. For instance, "Hit me up" is a very common phrase among friends. You can say, "We're going out to eat. Hit me up if you want to join," or "I'll hit you up when I get into town." These expressions create a relaxed and friendly tone, but they are not appropriate for professional interactions.

Another informal phrase is "Holla at me." You can use it when you want to talk, connect, or make plans with a close friend. For example, "Holla at me this weekend," or "I'll holla at you tomorrow." Keep in mind that these expressions should only be used with people you have a close relationship with, as they may sound too casual or even disrespectful in formal settings.

Literal expressions

For a direct approach, consider using literal expressions to indicate the specific mode of communication. For example, if you want someone to call you when they reach their house, you can say, "Call me when you get home." If you plan to send someone a message when you arrive at the airport, you can say, "I'll text you when I arrive."

And if you want a colleague to write to you after a presentation, you can simply ask, "Please write to me," or "Please email me once the presentation is done." These expressions leave no room for confusion and clearly state the preferred method of contact.

In summary, replacing the generic “contact me” with more context-appropriate expressions enhances communication. By using alternatives like "touch base," "get in touch with," or "get hold of," you can improve your communication skills in both professional and personal settings.

Just remember to adapt your choice of expressions based on the level of formality required. And when it comes to informal conversations, feel free to say "Hit me up" or "Holla at me" with your friends. Next time you wish to connect, replace the impersonal “contact me” with a more engaging and friendly expression. Practice these alternatives, and before you know it, your English conversations will flow effortlessly.