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Mr. Tom Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

If you are coming, I am free now.

Hi

Does this conversation sound natural to your native ears?

(Two friends talking)

A - If you are coming, I am free now. But if you are not, I have got other programs.

B- Well, go ahead with your other programs. I don't think I will be able to come today.

Thanks,

Tom
  

Top answer

It wouldn't surprise me to hear something like this from native speakers, but it's quite low register. "Other programs" is out of style with the rest. It's not casual.

— Avangi

  • It wouldn't surprise me to hear something like this from native speakers, but it's quite low register.
  • "Other programs" is out of style with the rest.
  • It's not casual.
  • "I have other things to do" would be more natural in these circumstances.
  • " These expressions imply that you'd prefer the friend not come.
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9 Answers
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It wouldn't surprise me to hear something like this from native speakers, but it's quite low register.

"Other programs" is out of style with the rest. It's not casual. "I have other things to do" would be more natural in these circumstances.

If you wish not to offend the other party, you could say, "I have other things which I could do."
"I have other plans."
"I have
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Hi Tom

I'm not sure about the word programs.

Projects, commitments, work to do, tasks? - Work to do would be my choice to a friend but give me the whole context and I'll see.

DP
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Dave Phillips I'm not sure about the word programs.
I agree, Dave. It sounds like a bad translation.
It's quite understandable, but we don't use "programs" in this way.
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your use of plans sounds good to me!
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Remember also that in ordinary conversation contractions are almost always used:

"If you're coming"

"I'm free now"

"I've got"

"I don't think I'll"
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Avangi"I have got X" is low register.
There may be regional differences here.

In my part of the world (UK), "I've got" is very common in speech, even among educated speakers. While I certainly wouldn't recommend it for formal writing, to me it isn't low register when used conversationally.
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True. I use it myself: Sorry, I've gotta go.
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Mr Wordy
Avangi"I have got X" is low register.
There may be regional differences here.

In my part of the world (UK), "I've got" is very common in speech, even among educated speakers. While I certainly wouldn't recommend it for formal writing, to me it isn't low register when used conversationally.
Having
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Sorry that seemed to quote everybody. I was pointing out that what I do and what I'm being told to do is different.
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