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Going on a picnic: the perfect opportunity to learn English

A picnic is a wonderful way to spend time outdoors, enjoying delicious food and pleasant company. If you’re learning English, going on a picnic can be an excellent opportunity to practice your vocabulary and communication skills. In this article, we’ll explore essential English terms and expressions related to picnics, as well as provide useful tips for organizing a picnic.

Picnic Vocabulary in English

To prepare for a picnic, it’s worth familiarizing yourself with key words and phrases that may be useful during this activity. Below is a list of the most important terms.

Planning and Choosing a Location

Destination [ˌdɛstɪˈneɪʃən] – the place where someone or something is going
- Example: We chose a beautiful park as our picnic destination.
Scenic spot [ˈsiːnɪk spɒt] – a place that is attractive to look at, especially because of its natural beauty
- Example: They found a scenic spot by the lake for their picnic.
Forecast [ˈfɔːkɑːst] – a prediction of future events, especially weather conditions
- Example: Check the weather forecast before planning your picnic.
Sunscreen [ˈsʌnskriːn] – a lotion or spray applied to the skin to protect it from the sun’s harmful rays
- Example: Don’t forget to pack sunscreen for protection from the sun.
Backup plan [ˈbækʌp plæn] – an alternative course of action in case the original plan fails
- Example: We had a backup plan in case it rained during the picnic.
Shelter [ˈʃɛltər] – a place giving temporary protection from bad weather or danger
- Example: They found a nice shelter under a big tree for their picnic.
Route [ruːt] – a way or course taken in getting from a starting point to a destination
- Example: Plan your route to the picnic spot to avoid traffic.
Picnic area [ˈpɪknɪk ˈɛərɪə] – a designated space for outdoor eating and relaxation
- Example: The park had designated picnic areas with tables and benches.
Permission [pəˈmɪʃən] – the act of allowing someone to do something
- Example: Make sure you have permission to use the picnic area in the park.
Plan ahead [plæn əˈhɛd] – to make arrangements or preparations in advance
- Example: It’s wise to plan ahead for a picnic to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Food and Drink Preparation

Picnic basket [ˈpɪknɪk ˈbɑːskɪt] – a specially designed container for carrying food and utensils on a picnic
- Example: They packed sandwiches and drinks in their picnic basket.
Cooler [ˈkuːlər] – an insulated container used to keep food and drinks cold
- Example: They kept beverages cool in a portable cooler for the picnic.
Disposable plates [dɪˈspəʊzəbl pleɪts] – plates made for one-time use and easy disposal
- Example: They used disposable plates to make cleanup easier after the picnic.
Utensils [juːˈtɛnsəlz] – implements used for eating or serving food
- Example: Don’t forget to bring utensils for serving the food at the picnic.
Condiments [ˈkɒndɪmənts] – substances such as salt, pepper, or sauce used to add flavor to food
- Example: They brought ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise as picnic condiments.
Portable grill [ˈpɔːtəbl ɡrɪl] – a small, movable cooking device used for grilling food outdoors
- Example: They used a portable grill to cook hot dogs and burgers at the picnic.
Picnic blanket [ˈpɪknɪk ˈblæŋkɪt] – a large cloth spread on the ground for sitting on during a picnic
- Example: Spread the picnic blanket out under the shade of the trees.
Beverages [ˈbɛvərɪdʒɪz] – drinks of any kind
- Example: They brought a variety of cold beverages to enjoy during the picnic.
Napkins [ˈnæp.kɪnz] – small pieces of cloth or paper used for wiping the mouth and hands during or after eating
- Example: Use napkins to clean your hands after eating at the picnic.
Trash bags [træʃ bæɡz] – bags used for collecting and disposing of waste
- Example: They brought trash bags to dispose of waste responsibly after the picnic.

Preparing Favorite Dishes

Grill [ɡrɪl] – to cook food on a grill or to be cooked on a grill
- Example: They grilled delicious shish kebabs at the picnic.
Marinate [ˈmærɪneɪt] – to soak food in a seasoned liquid before cooking it, in order to flavor or tenderize it
- Example: Marinate the chicken overnight for the best flavor.
Barbecue sauce [ˈbɑːbɪkjuː sɔːs] – a spicy sauce used in barbecuing meat
- Example: They brushed barbecue sauce on the ribs before grilling.
Fruit salad [fruːt ˈsæləd] – a mixture of different kinds of cut-up fruit, sometimes served with a dressing
- Example: We enjoyed a refreshing fruit salad at the picnic.
Sandwiches [ˈsændwɪtʃɪz] – two or more slices of bread with a filling between them
- Example: They made ham and cheese sandwiches for the picnic.
Potato salad [pəˈteɪtəʊ ˈsæləd] – a dish of chopped boiled potatoes mixed with mayonnaise and other ingredients
- Example: Potato salad is a classic picnic dish.
Desserts [dɪˈzɜːrts] – sweet food eaten at the end of a meal
- Example: They brought homemade brownies and cookies for desserts.
Sauces and dips [ˈsɔːsɪz ænd dɪps] – liquid or semi-liquid foods served with other foods to add moistness and flavor
- Example: Don’t forget to bring salsa and guacamole for dipping.
Cocktails [ˈkɒkˌteɪlz] – alcoholic drinks consisting of a spirit or spirits mixed with other ingredients
- Example: They mixed refreshing cocktails to enjoy at the picnic.
Ice cream [aɪs kriːm] – a sweet frozen food made from cream or milk and sugar, with flavorings
- Example: They brought ice cream to cool off on a hot day at the picnic.

Entertainment and Activities

Games [ɡeɪmz] – activities that you do to have fun, often with rules that you have to follow
- Example: They played frisbee and volleyball during the picnic.
Music [ˈmjuːzɪk] – sounds made by instruments or voices in a way that is pleasant to listen to
- Example: They brought a portable speaker to play music at the picnic.
Hiking [ˈhaɪkɪŋ] – the activity of going for long walks in the countryside
- Example: After the picnic, they went hiking in the nearby woods.
Relaxation [ˌriːlækˈseɪʃən] – the state of feeling calm and not worried
- Example: They enjoyed some quiet relaxation by the lake after lunch.
Photography [fəˈtɒɡrəfi] – the art, process, or job of taking photographs or filming
- Example: They took beautiful photographs of the scenery during the picnic.
Nature exploration [ˈneɪtʃər ˌɛkspləˈreɪʃən] – the act of traveling through an unfamiliar area in order to learn about the natural environment
- Example: They enjoyed nature exploration along the hiking trails near the picnic area.
Stargazing [ˈstɑːɡeɪzɪŋ] – the activity of looking at the stars
- Example: They stayed late for some stargazing after the picnic.
Storytelling [ˈstɔːritɛlɪŋ] – the activity of telling or writing stories
- Example: They shared funny stories and memories during the picnic.
Birdwatching [ˈbɜːrdˌwɒtʃɪŋ] – the activity of observing wild birds in their natural environment
- Example: They brought binoculars for birdwatching at the picnic site.
Bonfire [ˈbɒnˌfaɪər] – a large outdoor fire for warmth, entertainment, or celebration
- Example: They gathered around the bonfire to roast marshmallows after dark.

Useful English Expressions for a Picnic

During a picnic, you might need some helpful English phrases. Here are several examples:

Let’s find a shady spot to set up our picnic blanket.
Don’t forget the sunscreen, it’s quite sunny today.
Could you pass me the napkins, please?
I’ll handle the grilling if you prepare the salads.
Let’s take a stroll around the picnic area before we eat.
Make sure to dispose of the trash in designated bins.
Could you help me set up the picnic table, please?
I’ll bring some extra ice packs to keep the drinks cool.
We should pack up before it gets too dark.
The food is ready, let’s dig in!
Would you like another helping of potato salad?
Please make sure to extinguish the campfire before we leave.
Let’s take turns to share our favorite picnic memories.
Could you help me fold up the picnic blanket, please?
I’ll bring the insect repellent to keep the bugs away.
Let’s make sure to bring enough water for everyone.
Does anyone need a refill on their drink?
We should clean up after ourselves to leave the picnic area tidy.
Let’s capture a group photo to remember this picnic.
Thank you all for coming, it was a wonderful picnic!

Essay on: My Summer Picnic Adventure

Last summer, I planned an exciting outing to go on a picnic with my friends. It was a day filled with anticipation and preparation.

I started by choosing the perfect spot near a serene lake in the park. Checking the weather forecast was crucial, and luckily, it promised a sunny day – ideal for our plans! I packed everything we needed: a picnic blanket, a basket filled with delicious food and beverages, utensils, and some outdoor games.

Upon arrival, we spread out the blanket and began setting up our picnic area. We laid out appetizers like cheese and crackers while firing up the grill for the main course. I marinated the meat in a special sauce overnight for extra flavor, and once the coals were hot enough, we grilled shish kebabs with vegetables and savory seasonings.

The atmosphere was lively as we enjoyed our meal al fresco. Laughter filled the air as we chatted and reminisced about past adventures. Some played frisbee nearby, while others lounged on the grass, soaking in the sun’s warmth.

As the day progressed, we savored fresh salads and indulged in homemade desserts. The barbecue sauce and mustard added zest to the grilled meats, making each bite more delightful. We refreshed ourselves with chilled beverages and made sure to clean up with sanitizer before diving into dessert.

Before leaving, we gathered all our belongings, making sure to leave the area clean and tidy. It was a day giddy with excitement and full of unforgettable moments with friends. As we packed up our duffel bags and headed home, we knew this picnic would be a cherished memory for years to come.

Picnic in English: vocabulary, phrases