Lesson 4 - Building a Relationship

Which sentence is the best way to invite coworkers out for dinner?

• Hey, you should come to dinner with us.

• We’re thinking of grabbing dinner after work. Would you like to join?

• Come to dinner tonight. No excuses.

• I guess we’re all going out. You can come if you want.

How can you politely ask about dietary preferences before choosing a restaurant?

• Do you have any dietary restrictions or preferences? We want to make sure everyone has good options.

• You don’t have any food issues, right?

• I hope you can eat whatever we choose.

• Just eat what’s available.

What is the best way to confirm the time and place of the outing?

• Just meet whenever you can, we’ll be around.

• Let’s meet at 7 PM at The Grill House. Does that work for everyone?

• I think we said something about dinner. Not sure when or where.

• Find us if you can, we won’t wait.

What is the best way to ask if a coworker is running late?

• Hey, are you on your way? Just checking!

• Where are you? We’re waiting.

• Hurry up, we’re all here.

• You always take so long. What’s the hold-up?

How can you politely suggest splitting the bill?

• Should we split the bill evenly, or does everyone want to pay for what they ordered?

• Everyone just throw in whatever you feel like.

• I hope someone is paying for me.

• Let’s just argue about the bill at the end.

How do you politely decline an invitation to go out with coworkers?

• Thanks for inviting me, but I won’t be able to make it tonight. Maybe next time!

• No, I don’t feel like going.

• That sounds boring, I’ll pass.

• I’m busy, don’t ask me again.

What is the best way to start a conversation with coworkers during the outing?

• Hey everyone, how was your day?

• Let’s just sit in silence.

• I don’t know what to say, so I won’t say anything.

• Work is so stressful, let’s talk about how bad it is.

If a coworker shares an interesting story, how should you respond?

• That’s really interesting! What happened next?

• Cool.

• I have a better story than that.

• That’s boring, let’s talk about something else.

How can you politely change the subject if a conversation becomes uncomfortable?

• This topic is getting a bit heavy—how about we talk about something fun? Any travel plans coming up?

• That’s not interesting. Let’s talk about me instead.

• This is dumb, let’s move on.

• I don’t want to hear this.

What is a polite way to say goodbye at the end of the outing?

• I had a great time! See you all at work tomorrow.

• Finally, it’s over.

• Glad that’s done.

• Bye.