Double book / date

Question

Hi teachers,1.  If you have 2 dinner plans at the same time on the same day.  Do you say "I double date/ book 2 dinner plans"? 2.  John has already dated Mary to see the movie.  (Does this tell you John and Mary are in a relationship or they are seeing each other?)ThanksTinanam

Sbolton · Accepted Answer

1. This is known as being "double-booked". You would say something like, "I am double-booked for tonight, so I must postpone our dinner plans."

2. It is a little confusing because it is not naturally stated. It would be clearer if it said "John has already dated Mary, when they went to see the movie." Or, "John has taken Mary on a date to see the movie."

However, from what you have written, it seems to imply that John and Mary have possibly been on more than one date. So, although everyone has different ideas as to what constitutes a relationship, I would probably assume John and Mary are at least dating.

I hope this helps.

-S

Clive · Answer

Hi,

1. If you have 2 dinner plans at the same time on the same day. Do you say "I double date/ book 2 dinner plans"?

None of this sounds natural.

We don't talk about 'dinner plans'.

'Double date' means that eg you and your girl-friend go out to dinner or a movie with your pal and his girl-friend.

We don't 'book a plan'.

I'd say eg I've made plans to have dinner with two different people, in two different restaurants at the same time.

2. John has already dated Mary to see the movie. (Does this tell you John and Mary are in a relationship or they are seeing each other?

John is dating Mary means they have some kind of romantic relationship.

John has made a date with Mary to see a movie. Refers to just one event. Does not suggest a relationship.

Clive

Tinanam0102 · Answer

Hi Clive,

In my language, 'date' have taken a different kind of meaning. That is why I'm a little confused. It means to ask someone to go out together without any romantic meaning.

For example:

A friend: Tina, do you want to go see Iron man together?

Tina: I can't. I have already dated my sister. (I've made plans to see Iron Man with my sister)

1. Does 'date' refer to a male and a female? If I (a female) go out with my friend (a female), can I say "I have a date with my friend"? Two girls going out.

2. I can't go to the movie with you. I have already dated Mary to see the movie. Does the sentence mean the same as 'I have already asked Mary to go see the movie together. Not 'ask Mary out"?

3. Would it be correct if I simply just said to avoid the ambiguity: I can't go to the movie with you. I'm going with / I have asked Mary to go with me already?

Thanks

Tinanam

Clive · Answer

Hi,

In my language, 'date' have taken a different kind of meaning. That is why I'm a little confused. It means to ask someone to go out together without any romantic meaning.

For example:

A friend: Tina, do you want to go see Iron man together?

Tina: I can't. I have already dated my sister. Very odd thing to say in English!

(I've made plans to see Iron Man with my sister)

1. Does 'date' refer to a male and a female? If I (a female) go out with my friend (a female), can I say "I have a date with my friend"? Two girls going out. Females might, but males wouldn't.

2. I can't go to the movie with you. I have already dated Mary to see the movie. Does the sentence mean the same as 'I have already asked Mary to go see the movie together. Not 'ask Mary out"? No.

I have dated Mary means eg we already went to the movies.

I have made a date with Mary indicates we will go eg maybe tomorrow. Or you could say 'I have asked Mary out'

3. Would it be correct if I simply just said to avoid the ambiguity: I can't go to the movie with you. I'm going with / I have asked Mary to go with me already? This is fine.

Clive

Tinanam0102 · Answer

Hi Clive,

Thanks for your help with this topic.

Have a good day.

Tinanam

Double book / date

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