Talking about hobbies and weekend plans in English

Hobbies and weekend plans are the easiest small-talk topics with someone new. With the “I like” pattern and a few future sentences, you can talk about them comfortably.

Hobbies

reading, swimming, cooking, drawing, playing football, playing the guitar, watching films, walking, gardening, photography.

The “I like” pattern

After “like”, the verb takes -ing: “I like swimming.”, “She likes reading.” For stronger or weaker feelings: “I love cooking.”, “I don't like running.”, “I really enjoy drawing.” Question: “What do you like doing in your free time?”

Weekend plans

For decided plans, use “going to”: “I'm going to visit my grandmother on Saturday.” For arrangements, use the present continuous: “I'm meeting my friends on Sunday.” If it isn't decided yet: “Maybe I'll go to the cinema.”

A short conversation

A: “What are you doing this weekend?” B: “I'm going to the beach on Saturday. And you?” A: “I'm staying at home. I want to finish my book.” Say this conversation out loud, changing it to fit your own plans.

To keep going, see Feelings and opposites in English and Comparing with adjectives in English.

Frequently asked questions

“I like swimming” or “I like to swim”? Both are correct; the -ing form is more common in British English.

Which question asks about weekend plans? “What are you doing this weekend?” is the most common; “Do you have any plans for the weekend?” works too.