Learn some collocations, prepositions, colloquial language and common expressions you can use for socialising. Your English friends will be impressed and amazed!
Collocations
Verb + party
To have a party
To throw a party
To organise a party
‘I’m having a party! Can you come?’
‘We’re throwing a party for my sister’
‘Can you help me organise the office party?’
Party invitation – if you are invited to a formal party, you will receive a formal invitation that you must reply to. The invitations may have RSVP on it – this means ‘répondez s’il-vous-plait’ which is French for ‘please respond’. There will be details – usually an email address or a website where you can confirm your attendance.
Party + noun
A ‘party girl’ is a girl who loves going to parties, clubs, pubs – she likes having fun.
Party clothes – clothes you wear to a party
Party pooper – somebody who doesn’t like parties. A party pooper is somebody who often refuses an invitation to a party. ‘what a party pooper!’
Prepositions:
To
‘I’ve been invited to a party!’
‘I went to a wonderful party last night’
At
‘Were you at Jim’s party last week’
‘I was at this crazy party last week’
‘I’m at the party – why don’t you come?’
Use for when you’re organising a party
‘I’m having a party for my birthday’
Expressions:
‘The party’s in full swing’ – very busy and noisy
‘The party broke-up around midnight’ – the party ended around midnight
‘the party went on all night!’
When you leave – thank you hosts:
‘Thank you so much for inviting me – I’ve had a wonderful evening’
Colloquial Expressions:
‘Let’s party!’ – this means ‘let’s have some fun’
‘Party on!’ (phrasal verb) this is colloquial and can be a way of saying goodbye when you’re leaving a party encouraging your friends to stay and have fun. You would say ‘party on guys’ as you left.
‘Keep partying!’
Phrasal Verbs:
Dress-up – wear your most glamorous clothes!
Types of party
Drinks party – just drinks (Champagne, Prosecco or wine) and nibbles. A drinks party is usually from 7pm till 9.30pm.
Cocktail party – the same as a drinks party, but you drink cocktails.
Tea party – tea, sandwiches, cakes and biscuits. A tea party starts at about 4.30pm and finishes around 6pm.
Lunch party – lunchtime in the UK is around 1pm. A formal lunch party is similar to a dinner party but at lunchtime. Dress up!
Dinner party – dress up for a dinner party and arrive around 7.30pm till 11ish.
Supper party – no need to dress up. A supper party can be a casual affair – maybe in your friend’s kitchen. Usually for a few close friends, from 7pm till 10ish.
Jetset English 