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Introduction

If you need an alternative option, you need to know this phrase. Learn about how to use it with us.

Transcript

Feifei
Welcome to The English We Speak. I'm Feifei.

Beth
And I'm Beth. We have an expression which is all about having an alternative option, in case your first plan doesn't work out – the phrase is ‘plan B'.

Feifei
‘Plan B'. Can you give us some context, Beth?

Beth
Well, you know we've been trying to get tickets to that concert, Feifei? Ideally we want to go here in London, so we don't need to travel, but I think the London dates might sell out quickly.

Feifei
Hmm, that's true. We better have a plan B. Maybe we could go to the concert in Birmingham instead? That's not too far.

Beth
Good idea! Birmingham could be our plan B. Although, I suppose we could go on Sunday, instead of Saturday in London still, if that works? The tickets for Saturday will probably sell quickly but Sunday might not.

Feifei
OK. Yes, that's a better idea. So, Sunday in London can be our plan B, if we can't get tickets for Saturday.

Beth
Great. We have a few different options then. Let’s hear some more examples.

Examples
The hike was called off because of the weather, so we went with plan B and played games inside instead.

We need a plan B. I have a feeling we won’t make it to the restaurant on time.

The train’s been cancelled! Let’s go with plan B and get the bus.

Feifei
You're listening to The English We Speak from BBC Learning English, and we are learning the expression 'plan B', which is a way of expressing an alternative option, in case your first situation doesn't go as planned.

Beth
It can be used in many different situations, including at work. But it's always used when planning something and suggesting alternatives. You wouldn't use it in academic writing, for example.

Feifei
No. That would be inappropriate. By the way, we were going to have a meeting later but, I forgot to book a room. Sorry.

Beth
Don't worry. We can look for a room later and if we can't find one, plan B - we can meet over coffee!

Feifei
I like the sound of that plan B. See you next time!

Beth
Bye for now!

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