What happens in the video
Hana has already named the new desk plant Gary and says that Gary hates windows. Theo jokes that Gary lives in the dark, just like Theo. In the end, Theo asks, "Where should we put it? Gary needs some light," and Hana answers, "By the window. Gary and I talked, and he agreed."
1 Let's take a look.
Tone Casual and curious
Use it before you decide, when you want to check a place, an object, or a problem first. It sounds relaxed, so it's less suitable for a serious inspection at work, where "Let's review this" may fit better.
Let's take a look.
For example:
A: The new shelf arrived, but I'm not sure it fits in the hall.
B: Let's take a look.
A: OK, I'll get the tape measure.
2 Where should we put it?
Tone Friendly, open question
Ask this to share the choice with someone, for example with a roommate, a partner, or a coworker. Don't use it when the decision is only yours and you just want help carrying something.
Where should we put it?
For example:
A: I bought a small lamp for the office.
B: Nice. Where should we put it?
A: Maybe on the corner of your desk?
3 That works for me.
Tone Clear, calm agreement
Say it to agree with a plan, a time, or a place. It is polite and neutral, so it fits both work and home. It can sound a little flat if the other person shares exciting news.
That works for me.
For example:
A: How about we put the printer next to the door?
B: That works for me.
4 What do you think?
Tone Open and respectful
Use it after you share an idea and want the other person's opinion. Don't ask it if you have already decided and won't change your plan.
For example:
A: I'd put the plant on the windowsill. What do you think?
B: Good idea. It gets sun there in the morning.
5 How about by the window?
Tone Light, friendly suggestion
Use "How about...?" to suggest a place or an option without pushing. Change the end to fit your idea, such as "How about on the shelf?"
For example:
A: Where should we put the plant?
B: How about by the window?
A: Sure, it needs light.
6 I'd rather keep it on the desk.
Tone Polite, gentle preference
Use "I'd rather" to disagree softly and give your own choice. Add a short reason so the other person doesn't feel rejected.
For example:
A: Let's move the clock to the kitchen.
B: I'd rather keep it on the desk. I check the time a lot when I work.
7 Either way is fine with me.
Tone Easygoing, flexible
Say it when you are happy with both options and want the other person to choose. Don't say it if you really prefer one option, because the other person may believe you.
For example:
A: Shelf or table for the speaker?
B: Either way is fine with me.
A: OK, the shelf then.
8 Let's try it there for now.
Tone Practical, open to change
Use it to agree on a place while keeping the decision open. It works well when you aren't sure yet and want to test the plan.
For example:
A: I don't know if the chair looks right by the bookcase.
B: Let's try it there for now. We can move it next week.
Common mistakes
-
Not quite
Where we should put it?Better Where should we put it?
In a direct question, "should" comes before the subject "we." Keep the normal order only inside a longer sentence, such as "I'm not sure where we should put it."
-
Not quite
That works with me.Better That works for me.
The fixed phrase uses "for." "Works for me" means the plan is good for you or suits you.
-
Not quite
Let's take a looking.Better Let's take a look.
"A look" is a noun here, so it doesn't take -ing. You can also say "Let's look," but "take a look" sounds more natural and relaxed.
Quick quiz
Choose your answer for each question, then open the answer to check it.
-
Your coworker brings a new plant to your shared desk. You want to decide together. What do you ask?
- Where should we put it?
- Where we should put it?
- Where should it put?
Show the answer (Question 1)
Answer: Where should we put it? This is the correct question order, and "we" shows that the choice is shared.
-
A friend suggests a place, and you are happy with it. Which reply shows clear, calm agreement?
- Let's take a look.
- That works for me.
- What do you think?
Show the answer (Question 2)
Answer: That works for me. "That works for me" agrees with a plan, while the other two lines keep the discussion open.
-
Which line is best before you make a decision, when you want to check something first?
- Either way is fine with me.
- That works for me.
- Let's take a look.
Show the answer (Question 3)
Answer: Let's take a look. "Let's take a look" suggests checking the place or object before you decide.
-
You don't agree with your roommate's idea and want to say so politely. Which line fits?
- I'd rather keep it on the desk.
- How about by the window?
- Either way is fine with me.
Show the answer (Question 4)
Answer: I'd rather keep it on the desk. "I'd rather" gives your own preference gently, without saying the other idea is bad.
-
What does "Either way is fine with me" tell the other person?
- You strongly prefer the first option.
- You are happy with both options.
- You want to check the place first.
Show the answer (Question 5)
Answer: You are happy with both options. The phrase means both choices are OK, so the other person can decide.
Questions learners ask
What does "That works for me" mean?
It means "I agree" or "This plan is good for me." People use it for times, places, and plans. It's polite and neutral, so you can say it to a friend or a manager.
Is "Where should we put it?" or "Where do we put it?" correct?
Both are correct. "Where should we put it?" asks for an opinion and invites the other person to help decide. "Where do we put it?" can sound like you are asking about a rule or a fixed place that already exists.
What's the difference between "Let's take a look" and "Let's look"?
They mean almost the same thing. "Let's take a look" sounds softer and more relaxed, and it often means a quick check. In everyday speech, "Let's take a look" is the more common choice.
How do I suggest a place without sounding bossy?
Use a question such as "How about by the window?" or add "What do you think?" after your idea. Questions leave room for the other person to say no. A short reason, such as "It needs light," also helps.
Film lines are short quotes used for language teaching. The dialogue belongs to its rightsholders. Hana and Theo are animated characters made with Google Flow.
