Introduction
Hi there! Have you ever had a conversation with someone about what to eat for dinner? It’s a common topic, but talking about it in English can feel tricky sometimes. Don’t worry—we’re here to help!
In today’s lesson, you’ll learn the key phrases, questions, and answers you need to confidently talk about deciding what to eat. Whether it’s chatting with friends, making plans with family, or just sharing ideas, this lesson will help you speak naturally and sound more fluent.
So, let’s jump in and start learning these useful conversation skills together!
Why It’s Important
Talking about what to cook for dinner is something we all do often. It’s not just about food—it’s about sharing ideas, making plans, and working together. Learning how to have this kind of conversation will help you in real-life situations.
Key Points
- It’s Common: Everyone talks about meals every day, so it’s important to know how to do it in English.
- It’s Practical: You can use these skills with your family, friends, or even new people.
- It Builds Teamwork: When deciding together, you learn how to share ideas and make choices.
Benefits of Learning About the Topic (Deciding what to cook for dinner together)
When you learn how to talk about cooking plans, you gain more than just language skills. You also learn how to express yourself, listen to others, and solve problems together.
Key Points
- Improve Speaking Skills: This helps you naturally talk about everyday things.
- Learn New Words: You’ll learn words about food, cooking, and planning that are useful in daily life.
- Make Friends Easily: Talking about food is a great way to connect with people and share cultures.
Conversation 1: Trying to Use What’s in the Fridge
- Emma
- Liam
Conversation
Emma: Hey, Liam, what should we cook for dinner tonight?
Liam: Hmm, good question. Did you check the fridge?
Emma: Not yet. Let me look… Okay, we have some eggs, cheese, and a bit of chicken.
Liam: That’s not bad. How about we make an omelet?
Emma: An omelet sounds good, but what about the chicken? We should use it before it goes bad.
Liam: True. Maybe we can cook the chicken on the side? Like, grill it or fry it.
Emma: Oh, I like that idea! We can add some seasoning. Do we have spices?
Liam: Let me check… Yeah, we have salt, pepper, and paprika.
Emma: Perfect. And for the omelet, we’ll need onions and maybe some tomatoes.
Liam: I think we have both. Should I cut them?
Emma: Sure. I’ll start with the chicken. Do you want rice or bread with this?
Liam: Hmm, bread is easier. Let’s toast some.
Emma: Okay, the chicken is cooking, and the omelet looks great!
Liam: Awesome. Dinner smells amazing already.
Emma: I know, right? Let’s eat soon. I’m starving!
Conversation 2: Craving Something New
- Ava
- Noah
Conversation
Ava: Noah, I’m tired of eating the same things. Let’s try something new for dinner.
Noah: New, huh? Like what? Do you have anything in mind?
Ava: Not really. Maybe we could try making a stir-fry?
Noah: Stir-fry? That’s a great idea. What do we need for it?
Ava: Some veggies like broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers. And maybe some soy sauce.
Noah: Do we have all that at home?
Ava: I think so. I bought broccoli yesterday. Let’s check for the rest.
Noah: Okay… We have carrots but no bell peppers. Do you think it’s fine without them?
Ava: Yeah, it should still be good. What about meat? Should we add chicken or just keep it veggie?
Noah: Let’s add chicken. I like some protein in my meals.
Ava: Cool. Do you know how to cook stir-fry, though?
Noah: Not really. But there’s a recipe on my phone. Should I pull it up?
Ava: Yeah, let’s follow that. It’s safer.
Noah: Wow, this looks pretty good!
Ava: I know, right? High-five for trying something new!
Noah: Let’s eat. I’m excited to see how it tastes.
Conversation 3: One Friend is Picky
- Mia
- Ethan
Conversation
Mia: Ethan, what do you want for dinner?
Ethan: Umm, I don’t know. Something simple, maybe.
Mia: You always say that! How about pasta?
Ethan: Pasta is okay, but I don’t like too much sauce.
Mia: Oh, come on, Ethan. You’re so picky! How about we make light garlic pasta?
Ethan: Garlic pasta? That sounds good. But can we add chicken to it?
Mia: Of course! Chicken and garlic go well together. Should we add some veggies too?
Ethan: Hmm, like what?
Mia: Maybe spinach or mushrooms.
Ethan: Spinach is fine. But no mushrooms, please!
Mia: Got it. I’ll cook the chicken, and you boil the pasta. Deal?
Ethan: Deal. Oh, do we have parmesan cheese?
Mia: Yes, I bought some yesterday.
Ethan: This turned out really nice. Thanks, Mia!
Mia: See? Even picky eaters can enjoy a good dinner!
Conversation 4: Ordering Takeout Instead
- Zoe
- Jake
Conversation
Zoe: Hey, Jake. I don’t feel like cooking tonight. What about you?
Jake: Same here. Should we just order something?
Zoe: Yeah, but what? Pizza?
Jake: Pizza’s a classic choice. But didn’t we have it last weekend?
Zoe: True. How about Chinese food then?
Jake: Hmm, Chinese sounds good. Do you want noodles or fried rice?
Zoe: Noodles for sure. What about you?
Jake: I’ll go with fried rice. Should we get spring rolls too?
Zoe: Definitely! Oh, and let’s not forget some dumplings.
Jake: Great idea. I’ll place the order online. Do you want it spicy or mild?
Zoe: Mild, please. You know I can’t handle too much spice!
Jake: Done! The food should be here in 30 minutes.
Zoe: Perfect. Let’s clean up the table while we wait.
Conversation 5: Planning a Meal Together
- Sarah
- Ryan
Conversation
Sarah: Ryan, let’s plan something special for dinner tonight.
Ryan: Special? Like what? Are you thinking of something fancy?
Sarah: Not fancy, but maybe something homemade, like lasagna.
Ryan: Lasagna sounds great, but it takes a long time to make, right?
Sarah: A little, but we can make it together. I’ll handle the sauce, and you can do the layering.
Ryan: Deal. What do we need for it?
Sarah: Pasta sheets, ground beef, tomato sauce, and cheese. Do we have all that?
Ryan: I think we’re missing the pasta sheets. Should we go to the store?
Sarah: Yeah, let’s go now. We can grab dessert too.
Ryan: Good idea. Ice cream?
Sarah: Perfect. Let’s hurry before it gets late.
Ryan: Lasagna smells amazing!
Sarah: It does. Teamwork makes the dream work, right?
Ryan: Exactly. Let’s eat!
Essential Key Phrases and How to Use Them
- What should we cook for dinner tonight?
- Tips: Use this phrase to start a conversation about meal planning. It’s polite and includes the other person in the decision.
- Example:
- A: What should we cook for dinner tonight?
- B: Let’s check what we have in the fridge.
- Let’s check the fridge first.
- Tips: This phrase is practical when deciding based on what ingredients are already available. It saves time and prevents waste.
- Example:
- A: Do you think we have enough vegetables?
- B: Let’s check the fridge first.
- How about we make [dish name]?
- Tips: Use this phrase to suggest a meal idea. It’s polite and leaves room for the other person’s input.
- Example:
- A: I’m not sure what to cook.
- B: How about we make pasta?
- Do we have all the ingredients for that?
- Tips: Ask this question when suggesting a dish to ensure you have everything you need before cooking.
- Example:
- A: Let’s make a salad.
- B: Do we have all the ingredients for that?
- Should we add [ingredient] to it?
- Tips: This phrase is useful for asking someone’s opinion about adding a specific ingredient to a dish. It keeps the conversation collaborative.
- Example:
- A: I’m making a stir-fry.
- B: Should we add chicken to it?
- Do you want rice or bread with this?
- Tips: Use this phrase to offer choices for side dishes. It’s simple and helps make the meal more complete.
- Example:
- A: The curry is ready.
- B: Do you want rice or bread with this?
- Let’s try something new tonight.
- Tips: Use this phrase to suggest trying a new dish or recipe. It’s great for breaking the routine.
- Example:
- A: I’m tired of eating the same thing.
- B: Let’s try something new tonight.
- I’ll handle [task], and you can do [task].
- Tips: This is a good way to divide tasks when cooking together. It makes the process more organized and fun.
- Example:
- A: I’ll handle the chicken, and you can cut the vegetables.
- B: Sounds good!
- Let’s just order something.
- Tips: This phrase is casual and perfect when you don’t feel like cooking. It’s a common choice among friends.
- Example:
- A: I don’t want to cook tonight.
- B: Let’s just order something.
- What do you feel like eating?
- Tips: Use this question to ask about someone’s preferences. It makes the conversation about their likes and dislikes.
- Example:
- A: I don’t know what to make.
- B: What do you feel like eating?
Common Questions with Answers Related to This Topic (Deciding what to cook for dinner together)
Here are some common questions you might hear when talking about deciding what to cook for dinner. Learning how to answer these questions will make you more confident in conversations and help you sound natural when speaking English.
- Question: What do you feel like eating?
- Example Answer: I feel like eating something light, maybe a salad or soup.
- Question: Do you want to try something new?
- Example Answer: Sure, I’d love to! Do you have any ideas?
- Question: Do we have everything we need to cook this?
- Example Answer: Let me check. I think we’re missing some vegetables.
- Question: Should we go out to eat instead?
- Example Answer: That’s a good idea! Where do you want to go?
- Question: Do you feel like cooking tonight?
- Example Answer: Not really. I think we should order something.
- Question: How about we make pasta or pizza?
- Example Answer: Pasta sounds good. It’s quick and easy to make.
- Question: What’s in the fridge?
- Example Answer: We have some eggs, chicken, and vegetables.
- Question: Should we add meat or keep it vegetarian?
- Example Answer: Let’s add some chicken. It will make the meal more filling.
- Question: What sides should we make with this?
- Example Answer: We can make some garlic bread or a small salad.
- Question: Do you want something spicy or mild?
- Example Answer: Mild, please. I’m not a big fan of spicy food.
- Question: What should we cook if we don’t have much time?
- Example Answer: We could make scrambled eggs or a quick stir-fry.
- Question: Who’s going to do the cooking?
- Example Answer: I can cook if you help me with the cutting and prepping.
- Question: Do you think this will take a long time to make?
- Example Answer: Not really. It should be ready in about 30 minutes.
- Question: Can you help me decide what to make?
- Example Answer: Sure! Let’s think of something simple and tasty.
- Question: Should we bake or fry this?
- Example Answer: I think baking is healthier, so let’s do that.
- Question: What do we need to buy for this recipe?
- Example Answer: We need to buy pasta sheets and some cheese.
- Question: What’s your favorite dish to cook?
- Example Answer: I love making tacos. They’re so easy and fun!
- Question: Do we have enough ingredients for two people?
- Example Answer: Yes, it looks like we have plenty for both of us.
- Question: What should we do if it doesn’t taste good?
- Example Answer: We’ll just laugh about it and order pizza instead!
- Question: Do you want to plan dinner for the week?
- Example Answer: That’s a great idea! It will save us time later.
- Question: Should we invite someone over to eat with us?
- Example Answer: Sure! Let’s call Sarah. She loves homemade food.
- Question: Is this dish easy to make?
- Example Answer: Yes, it’s pretty simple. I can show you how to do it.
Conclusion
Thank you for joining us in this lesson about deciding what to cook for dinner together in English. We hope you’ve learned some helpful phrases, questions, and tips to make your conversations more natural and confident.
Talking about everyday topics like dinner planning is a great way to improve your English and connect with others. Don’t forget to practice these phrases in real-life situations or even role-play them with a friend to build your confidence.
If you found this lesson useful, feel free to share it with someone who’s also learning English. And we’d love to hear from you! What’s your favorite phrase from this lesson? Or, do you have a go-to question you always ask when deciding what to eat? Let us know in the comments below!
Keep practicing, and we’ll see you in the next lesson! 😊
