The question “Are we still on?” is a quick way to confirm plans, but it can sometimes sound abrupt or too casual. Depending on the tone you want, you could use alternatives like “Just checking if we’re still good for today,” “Do we still have plans?” or “Are we still meeting up?”
For example, instead of texting “Are we still on?” you might write “Looking forward to later—are we still good?” or “Do we still have our meeting scheduled?” These variations let you confirm without sounding uncertain or repetitive, whether you’re talking to a friend, colleague, or client.
Definition: “Are We Still On?”
The phrase “Are we still on?” is a common colloquial expression used to confirm that a previously arranged plan or appointment is still scheduled to take place as agreed. It implicitly asks whether the arrangement remains valid and unchanged.
The question seeks assurance that neither party has forgotten, canceled, or altered the original agreement.
Classification: It is classified as an interrogative sentence (a question) used for confirmation.
Function: The primary function is to verify the status of a planned event or meeting. It serves to avoid misunderstandings and ensure that both parties are prepared and available at the agreed-upon time and place.
Contexts: This phrase is versatile and can be used in various contexts, including:
- Social arrangements: Confirming a date, a gathering with friends, or a planned outing.
- Professional settings: Verifying a meeting with colleagues, a client appointment, or a scheduled presentation.
- Informal agreements: Checking on a planned phone call, a shared task, or a promise.
Structural Breakdown
The question “Are we still on?” follows a simple interrogative structure:
Auxiliary Verb (Are) + Subject (we) + Adverb (still) + Preposition (on)
Here’s a breakdown of each component:
- Are: This is the auxiliary verb, a form of “to be,” which initiates the question. It indicates that the speaker is seeking information.
- We: This is the subject pronoun, referring to the speaker and the person (or people) they are addressing. It implies a shared agreement or plan.
- Still: This adverb indicates that the speaker is asking whether the original status of the plan (i.e., being ‘on’ or confirmed) remains unchanged.
- On: This preposition, in this context, signifies that the plan is active, valid, and scheduled to proceed as initially agreed upon.
The simplicity of this structure makes it easy to understand and use. However, its informality may not be suitable for all situations, hence the need for alternative expressions.
Other Ways to Ask Are We Still On
Many alternative phrases can be used instead of “Are we still on?” These alternatives can be categorized based on formality, directness, and the specific nuance they convey.
Formal Alternatives
These are suitable for professional settings or when addressing someone you don’t know well. They convey respect and maintain a professional distance.
Informal Alternatives
These are appropriate for casual conversations with friends, family, or close colleagues. They are relaxed and friendly.
Direct Alternatives
These get straight to the point and clearly ask for confirmation without ambiguity.
Indirect Alternatives
These are more subtle and polite, often used to avoid sounding demanding or pushy.
Confirmation-Seeking Alternatives
These explicitly seek confirmation that the original agreement is still valid.
Proactive Alternatives
These not only confirm the plan but also offer to take action or provide information, showcasing responsibility and initiative.
Examples
The following tables provide examples of alternative phrases categorized by formality and directness. Each example is accompanied by context to illustrate its appropriate usage.
General Examples
This table provides a variety of alternatives applicable across different contexts.
| Alternative Phrase | Context |
|---|---|
| “Just confirming our meeting for tomorrow?” | Sending a quick email to a colleague the day before a scheduled meeting. |
| “Checking in about our plans for Saturday.” | Texting a friend a few days before a weekend outing. |
| “Are we still set for lunch on Tuesday?” | Casually asking a coworker in the break room. |
| “Is everything still good for our appointment?” | Emailing a client to reconfirm an appointment. |
| “Wanted to double-check our reservation for tonight.” | Calling a restaurant to confirm a dinner reservation. |
| “Just wanted to make sure we are still on for the game.” | Texting a friend a few hours before a sporting event. |
| “Confirming our call for this afternoon.” | Sending a message to a business partner before a scheduled call. |
| “Shall we proceed as planned?” | Asking a team member during a project coordination meeting. |
| “Are we still good to go for the hike?” | Texting a hiking buddy the day before. |
| “Everything still alright for the dinner party?” | Calling a friend to confirm attendance at one’s dinner party. |
| “Just making sure our arrangement is still in place.” | Emailing a landlord about an agreed-upon payment plan. |
| “Can you confirm our appointment is still scheduled?” | Asking a doctor’s office receptionist. |
| “Wanted to verify if our plans are still holding up.” | Messaging a friend about a concert they planned to attend. |
| “Is our meeting still scheduled for the same time?” | Asking a supervisor to confirm a meeting’s time. |
| “Just checking if our agreement is still valid.” | Emailing a freelancer to ensure they’re still available for a project. |
| “Are we still on course for the planned activity?” | Asking a travel companion about their trip. |
| “Making sure everything is still fine for our meeting.” | Texting a client a day before the meeting. |
| “Is our arrangement still valid?” | Emailing a vendor about a contract. |
| “Want to confirm if the plans are still as per discussed.” | Messaging a project team about the planned milestone. |
| “Just checking if our schedule is still in line with the plan.” | Asking an assistant to verify the schedule. |
| “Confirming our event is still happening.” | Sending out a mass email before a public event. |
| “Is the project timeline still on track?” | Asking a project manager about the project schedule. |
| “Checking if our travel plans are still firm.” | Asking your travel agent about your itinerary. |
| “Confirming we are still on schedule for the delivery.” | Asking a logistics company about a planned delivery. |
| “Just making sure we are still aligned on our objectives.” | Asking a teammate about goals for a project. |
Formal Examples
This table illustrates how to politely and professionally confirm plans.
| Alternative Phrase | Context |
|---|---|
| “I am writing to confirm our scheduled meeting for [date] at [time].” | Sending a formal email to a client or senior colleague. |
| “Could you please confirm that our appointment is still scheduled as planned?” | Contacting a doctor’s office or a government agency. |
| “I would like to verify that the arrangements for [event] are still in place.” | Checking with a venue or event organizer. |
| “Kindly confirm if the meeting is still proceeding as scheduled.” | Emailing a high-level executive. |
| “Please advise if our agreement remains valid.” | Communicating with a legal representative or business partner. |
| “I would appreciate confirmation that our conference call will take place as planned.” | Emailing participants of a conference call. |
| “Could you provide an update on the status of our scheduled consultation?” | Contacting a consultant or advisor. |
| “I am reaching out to ensure that our reservation is still confirmed.” | Emailing a hotel or restaurant. |
| “Please confirm at your earliest convenience whether our plans are still in effect.” | Following up with a busy colleague or client. |
| “I would be grateful if you could verify that our meeting is still confirmed for the aforementioned date and time.” | Sending a very formal email to someone of high importance. |
| “May I have confirmation that our scheduled interview is still proceeding as planned?” | Contacting an interviewee. |
| “I wish to confirm the arrangements for the forthcoming event.” | Emailing a senior staff member about a major company event. |
| “Please let me know if there have been any changes to our scheduled appointment.” | Contacting a professional service provider. |
| “I am writing to ascertain the status of our planned collaboration.” | Emailing potential collaborators on a joint project. |
| “Your confirmation regarding our scheduled meeting would be greatly appreciated.” | Sending a polite and formal email to a business contact. |
| “I kindly request verification that our agreement is still valid and enforceable.” | Contacting a legal team or contract partner. |
| “Please confirm that the proposed schedule for our upcoming project remains unchanged.” | Emailing stakeholders on a major project. |
| “I am seeking assurance that our scheduled presentation will proceed as planned.” | Contacting event organizers or presentation hosts. |
| “Your confirmation that our arranged call is still scheduled would be most helpful.” | Emailing a busy professional to ensure the call is still on. |
| “I would be grateful if you could confirm that our agreed-upon terms are still in effect.” | Emailing a supplier or vendor to confirm contract terms. |
| “Please confirm the status of our planned site visit.” | Emailing a company before a scheduled visit. |
| “I would like to verify that our scheduled training session is still proceeding.” | Emailing the training coordinator before a session. |
| “I am writing to seek confirmation of our planned merger.” | Emailing the other company involved in the merger. |
| “Please confirm the scheduled date for our shareholders meeting.” | Emailing shareholders about the yearly meeting. |
Informal Examples
This table demonstrates casual and friendly ways to check on plans with friends or close colleagues.
| Alternative Phrase | Context |
|---|---|
| “Hey, still up for drinks tonight?” | Texting a friend in the afternoon. |
| “Just checking, are we still doing [activity] on Saturday?” | Messaging a friend on social media. |
| “Everything still good for our movie night?” | Texting a friend the day before. |
| “Yo, are we still on for the game?” | Texting a buddy a few hours before the game. |
| “Just making sure we’re still hitting up that new restaurant.” | Messaging a friend about dinner plans. |
| “So, are we still planning on doing that hike?” | Texting a friend about outdoor plans. |
| “Hey, just checking if we are still meeting up?” | Messaging a friend about meeting at a bar. |
| “Still good for tomorrow?” | Texting a friend about an early appointment. |
| “Are we still on for that party?” | Messaging a friend about weekend plans. |
| “Just checking if we’re still doing brunch.” | Texting a friend on a Sunday morning. |
| “Still up for the concert?” | Texting a friend about a concert in the evening. |
| “Hey, are we still good to go for the road trip?” | Texting friends the week before a trip. |
| “Just wanted to see if we’re still on for the study session.” | Texting a classmate about studying. |
| “Are we still meeting up for coffee?” | Messaging a friend about meeting at a cafe. |
| “Still planning on going to the beach?” | Texting a friend about a beach trip. |
| “Hey, is everything still set for our hangout?” | Messaging friends about a casual hangout. |
| “Just checking if we’re still on for the weekend getaway.” | Texting friends about a planned trip. |
| “Still up for a board game night?” | Messaging friends about a game night. |
| “Hey, are we still doing the escape room?” | Messaging friends about an activity. |
| “Just checking if we are still going to the museum.” | Texting a friend about art plans. |
| “Are we still going to that new cafe?” | Texting a friend about checking out a new place. |
| “Still want to try that new pizza place?” | Texting a friend about food plans. |
| “Just confirming if we’re still doing karaoke night.” | Messaging friends about evening plans. |
| “Want to make sure we’re still on for bowling.” | Texting friends about a bowling outing. |
Direct Examples
This table provides phrases that clearly and explicitly confirm plans.
| Alternative Phrase | Context |
|---|---|
| “Can you confirm our plans for [date]?” | Emailing a colleague or client. |
| “Is our appointment still scheduled?” | Calling a service provider. |
| “Please confirm that the meeting will take place as agreed.” | Emailing meeting attendees. |
| “I need to verify that our arrangement is still valid.” | Communicating with a business partner. |
| “Are we still meeting at the same time?” | Texting a friend or colleague. |
| “Will our event still be held as planned?” | Contacting event organizers. |
| “Is our reservation still confirmed?” | Calling a restaurant or hotel. |
| “Do we still have a meeting scheduled for tomorrow?” | Asking an assistant or colleague. |
| “Is our agreement still in effect?” | Communicating with a legal representative. |
| “Will the project proceed as outlined?” | Asking a project manager. |
| “Are we still going ahead with the plan?” | Texting a friend or family member. |
| “Can you confirm that our order is still being processed?” | Contacting a supplier. |
| “Will the delivery still be made on time?” | Asking a logistics company. |
| “Is our contract still valid and enforceable?” | Communicating with a vendor. |
| “Will the training session still be held as scheduled?” | Contacting the training coordinator. |
| “Are we still aligned on our objectives?” | Asking a team member. |
| “Will the conference call still take place?” | Emailing participants. |
| “Is our interview still set for tomorrow?” | Contacting an interviewee. |
| “Will the site visit still occur as planned?” | Asking the host company. |
| “Do we still have a green light for the project?” | Asking a supervisor. |
| “Is our research still on track?” | Asking research colleagues. |
| “Does our plan still stand?” | Texting friends about a simple plan. |
| “Are we still going to work together on this?” | Asking work colleagues about a joint project. |
| “Do you confirm that our arrangements are still as agreed?” | Emailing business partners about previously agreed plans. |
Indirect Examples
This table demonstrates subtle and polite ways to confirm plans without being too direct.
| Alternative Phrase | Context |
|---|---|
| “Just wanted to touch base regarding our upcoming meeting.” | Emailing a colleague or client. |
| “I was wondering if everything is still set for our appointment.” | Calling a service provider. |
| “I thought I’d check in about our plans for [event].” | Messaging a friend. |
| “Just a friendly reminder about our scheduled call.” | Emailing a business contact. |
| “I’m looking forward to our meeting on [date].” | Emailing a colleague or client, implying confirmation. |
| “Hoping all is still well for our planned event.” | Emailing event organizers. |
| “Just checking to see if there have been any changes to our schedule.” | Asking an assistant. |
| “I wanted to ensure we are still aligned on our objectives.” | Communicating with a team member. |
| “Looking forward to our dinner reservation.” | Texting a friend, implying confirmation. |
| “Just wanted to confirm that you haven’t forgotten about our plans.” | Messaging a friend casually. |
| “I am looking forward to our agreed activity.” | Texting friends about a planned activity, implying confirmation. |
| “Just thought I’d check in about our agreed-upon plans.” | Messaging friends casually. |
| “I was just reviewing our schedule and wanted to confirm.” | Emailing a colleague casually. |
| “I’m just making sure everything is going as planned.” | Texting friends casually. |
| “Hoping to see you at the scheduled event!” | Emailing event attendees, implying confirmation. |
| “Just reminding you about our planned getaway.” | Texting friends about a planned getaway. |
| “I just wanted to touch base concerning our plans.” | Emailing people casually. |
| “I’m checking on our arranged meeting.” | Emailing casually. |
| “Just confirming you haven’t forgotten about the meeting.” | Emailing people casually. |
| “I was curious if everything is still on track for the event.” | Emailing event organizers. |
| “I’m looking forward to our get-together.” | Texting friends about a party, implying confirmation. |
| “Just wanted to see if you’re still available for the meeting.” | Emailing people casually. |
| “I am just checking to see if you still remember the plans.” | Texting friends about a planned activity. |
| “I was wondering if the schedule is still in place.” | Emailing a project manager. |
| “Just touching base on our exciting planned activity.” | Texting friends about a planned activity. |
Usage Rules
When choosing an alternative to “Are we still on?”, consider the following rules:
- Formality: Match the level of formality to the context and your relationship with the person you are addressing. Use formal phrases in professional settings and informal phrases with friends and family.
- Clarity: Ensure that your alternative phrase is clear and unambiguous. Avoid using overly vague language that could lead to misinterpretations.
- Politeness: Even in informal settings, politeness is essential. Avoid phrases that could sound demanding or pushy.
- Context: Take into account the specific context of the plan you are confirming. For example, if it’s a time-sensitive event, use a more direct phrase.
- Tone: Pay attention to your tone of voice or writing style. A friendly and approachable tone can help avoid misunderstandings.
Exceptions and Special Cases:
- In very urgent situations, a direct and concise question like “Is this still happening?” may be the most appropriate, regardless of formality.
- When dealing with individuals from different cultural backgrounds, be mindful of cultural norms regarding directness and politeness.
Common Mistakes
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using alternatives to “Are we still on?”:
| Mistake | Correct Usage | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Using overly formal language in informal settings. | “Hey, still up for drinks tonight?” | Using “I am writing to confirm our scheduled social gathering” would sound awkward and out of place. |
| Using overly informal language in formal settings. | “I am writing to confirm our scheduled meeting for tomorrow.” | Using “Yo, are we still on for the meeting?” would be unprofessional. |
| Using vague language that could lead to misinterpretations. | “Just checking in about our plans.” | Instead of “Anything new?”, be specific about what you are confirming. |
| Being too direct or demanding, especially in initial communications. | “Could you please confirm our appointment?” | Avoid starting with “Confirm our appointment now!” as it sounds rude. |
| Forgetting to consider the context of the plan. | “Are we still on for the presentation?” | Instead of a casual “Everything good?”, use a phrase that reflects the importance of the event. |
| Ignoring cultural norms regarding directness. | “I wanted to gently check up on our plans.” | In some cultures, indirectness is preferred to avoid appearing pushy. |
| Using slang or jargon that the other person may not understand. | “Are we still good to go for the conference?” | Avoid phrases like “Is the deal still sealed?” if the other person is not familiar with the term. |
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding with these practice exercises.
Exercise 1: Multiple Choice
Choose the best alternative to “Are we still on?” in each scenario.
| Question | Options | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| You are emailing a potential client to confirm a meeting. Which phrase is most appropriate? | a) “Yo, still on for tomorrow?” b) “I am writing to confirm our scheduled meeting for tomorrow.” c) “Everything good for our meeting?” | b) “I am writing to confirm our scheduled meeting for tomorrow.” |
| You are texting a friend about a movie night. Which phrase is most appropriate? | a) “Please confirm that our social gathering will take place as agreed.” b) “Everything still good for our movie night?” c) “I would appreciate confirmation of our plans.” | b) “Everything still good for our movie night?” |
| You are calling a service provider to confirm an appointment. Which phrase is most appropriate? | a) “Is our appointment still scheduled?” b) “Just checking in about our plans.” c) “Are we still on?” | a) “Is our appointment still scheduled?” |
| You are emailing meeting attendees to confirm a meeting. Which phrase is most appropriate? | a) “Please confirm that the meeting will take place as agreed.” b) “Hey, still on?” c) “Just checking in.” | a) “Please confirm that the meeting will take place as agreed.” |
| You are texting a buddy about a game. Which phrase is most appropriate? | a) “Want to verify if our plans are still holding up.” b) “Yo, are we still on for the game?” c) “Kindly confirm if the game is still proceeding as scheduled.” | b) “Yo, are we still on for the game?” |
| You are confirming with a colleague about a presentation. Which phrase is most appropriate? | a) “Everything still alright for the presentation?” b) “Are we still going to present?” c) “Is our presentation still happening?” | c) “Is our presentation still happening?” |
| You are emailing a hotel to confirm a reservation. Which phrase is most appropriate? | a) “Just checking if the reservation is still good.” b) “I am reaching out to ensure that our reservation is still confirmed.” c) “Are we still on for the reservation?” | b) “I am reaching out to ensure that our reservation is still confirmed.” |
| You are messaging a friend about a coffee meet up. Which phrase is most appropriate? | a) “Are we still meeting up for coffee?” b) “Please confirm our coffee date.” c) “I need to verify that our coffee arrangement is valid.” | a) “Are we still meeting up for coffee?” |
| You are emailing a potential collaborator on a joint project. Which phrase is most appropriate? | a) “I am writing to ascertain the status of our planned collaboration.” b) “Still up for the collaboration?” c) “Hey, about our collaboration…” | a) “I am writing to ascertain the status of our planned collaboration.” |
| You are texting a friend about a beach trip. Which phrase is most appropriate? | a) “Please confirm if the beach trip is still valid.” b) “Still planning on going to the beach?” c) “I would like to ascertain the status of our beach plans.” | b) “Still planning on going to the beach?” |
Exercise 2: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the following sentences with an appropriate alternative to “Are we still on?”.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Dear Mr. Smith, I am writing to _______ our meeting scheduled for next week. | confirm |
| Hey Sarah, _________ for the concert tonight? | Still up |
| Hello, I’m calling to ________ that our appointment is still scheduled. | verify |
| Hi John, just _________ about our plans for the weekend. | checking in |
| Good morning, could you please ________ that the delivery will be made on time? | confirm |
| Hi team, __________ for the deadline? | still on track |
| Dear Dr. Lee, I would like to _________ regarding our upcoming consultation. | touch base |
| Hey Mark, _________ to go to the arcade? | Still good |
| Hi boss, I need to _________ if the project is still on course. | verify |
| Hi, I was just wondering if the event is _________. | still proceeding |
Exercise 3: Rewriting Sentences
Rewrite the following sentences using a more formal alternative to “Are we still on?”.
| Original Sentence | Rewritten Sentence |
|---|---|
| Hey, are we still on for the meeting? | I am writing to confirm our scheduled meeting. |
| Just checking, are we still doing lunch? | I would like to verify that our lunch appointment is still scheduled. |
| Is everything still good for our appointment? | Could you please confirm that our appointment is still scheduled as planned? |
| So, are we still planning on doing that presentation? | I would appreciate confirmation that our presentation will take place as planned. |
| Hey, are we still good to go for the conference? | I am writing to ensure that the arrangements for our conference are still in place. |
| Just checking if we’re still doing the presentation. | I would like to ascertain if our presentation will be held as scheduled. |
| Are we still going to the show? | I’d like to confirm if our arrangements to go to the show are still in place. |
| Are you free to meet at the agreed time? | Can you confirm our meeting time? |
Advanced Topics
Delving deeper into the nuances of confirming plans involves understanding cultural considerations and the impact of tone and context.
Cultural Considerations
Different cultures have varying communication styles, and what is considered polite and direct in one culture may be seen as rude or ambiguous in another. When confirming plans with individuals from different cultural backgrounds, it’s crucial to be aware of these differences.
- Direct vs. Indirect Communication: Some cultures, such as those in Germany and the Netherlands, value direct and explicit communication. In these cultures, it is acceptable to ask directly whether a plan is still on. In contrast, cultures such as those in Japan and many parts of Latin America tend to prefer indirect communication. Asking directly may be seen as impolite or distrustful.
- Formality: The level of formality expected in communication varies widely. In some cultures, it is appropriate to use formal language and titles even in casual conversations, while in others, a more relaxed approach is preferred.
- Saving Face: In many Asian cultures, it is important to “save face,” which means avoiding causing embarrassment or discomfort to others. When confirming plans, it is best to use indirect language and avoid implying that the other person may have forgotten or made a mistake.
- Time Sensitivity: Perceptions of time also differ. In some cultures, punctuality and adherence to schedules are highly valued, while in others, a more flexible approach is common. When confirming plans, it is important to be mindful of these differences and avoid causing offense.
Examples:
- In Japan, instead of asking “Are we still on?”, you might say “I am looking forward to our meeting” or “I hope there have been no changes to our plans.”
- In Germany, it is perfectly acceptable to send a direct email asking “I would like to confirm our appointment for [date] at [time].”
Tone and Context
The tone of your message and the context in which it is delivered can significantly impact how your question is received. A friendly and approachable tone can help avoid misunderstandings, while a demanding or impatient tone can create tension.
- Email vs. Text Message: The appropriate tone and level of formality will vary depending on the medium you are using. Email is generally more formal than text messaging, so it is important to adjust your language accordingly.
- Relationship with the Person: Your relationship with the person you are addressing will also influence your tone. With close friends and family, you can be more casual and informal, while with colleagues and clients, it is important to maintain a professional tone.
- Urgency: If the plan you are confirming is time-sensitive, it may be appropriate to use a more direct and urgent tone. However, it is important to avoid sounding demanding or pushy.
- Previous Communication: Consider any previous communication you have had with the person. If there have been any misunderstandings or disagreements, it may be necessary to use a more cautious and diplomatic tone.
Examples:
- A text message to a friend might read, “Hey, still up for drinks tonight?”, while an email to a colleague might read, “I am writing to confirm our scheduled meeting for tomorrow.”
- If you are confirming a last-minute appointment, you might say, “Just wanted to double-check that we are still on for [time] as I have another meeting immediately after.”
FAQ
Is “Are we still on?” rude?
No, but it can come off as informal or abrupt depending on the context and your relationship with the person you’re asking. In professional settings or when communicating with someone you don’t know well, it’s better to use a more formal alternative.
How can I be polite when confirming plans?
Use phrases like “I am writing to confirm…” or “Could you please verify…” to show respect. Always thank the person for their time and consideration.
What if I need to confirm plans urgently?
In urgent situations, it’s acceptable to be more direct, but still polite. For example, you could say, “I apologize for the urgency, but could you please confirm our meeting as soon as possible?”
How do I avoid misunderstandings when confirming plans?
Be clear and specific in your communication. Include all relevant details, such as the date, time, location, and purpose of the plan.
If possible, ask the other person to confirm that they have understood everything correctly.
What are some alternatives to “Are we still on?” for a phone call?
You can say things like, “I’m looking forward to our call,” or “Just confirming our call time.”
What are some alternatives to “Are we still on?” for a date?
You can say things like, “Looking forward to seeing you on [date],” or “Excited about our date on [date].”
Is it better to confirm plans via email or text?
It depends on the context and your relationship with the person. Email is generally more appropriate for formal situations, while text is fine for informal situations.
Conclusion
Mastering alternative ways to ask “Are we still on?” can significantly improve your communication skills. By considering the context, your relationship with the person you are addressing, and cultural norms, you can choose the most appropriate phrase to ensure clarity and maintain positive relationships.
Whether you are confirming a business meeting, a social gathering, or a casual outing, the right choice of words can make all the difference.