THAT'S EARLY

 The phrase "That's early" is often used to comment on a time or event that happens sooner than expected. In this lesson, learners will practice how to talk about times, schedules, and expressing surprise or observation about something happening earlier than usual. This phrase can be used in many contexts, such as morning routines, work schedules, or events.

Grammar Focus

1. Demonstrative Pronouns (This/That): Used to point out specific things. "That" is used to refer to something further away in time or context.

   • Example: That’s early!

2. Adjectives for Time: "Early" describes something happening before the expected time.

   • Example: The meeting is at 7:00 a.m. That’s early!

3. Present Simple Tense: To describe habits, schedules, or regular events.

   • Example: She always wakes up early.

4. Exclamations: Expressing surprise or reactions.

   • Example: That’s early!

Vocabulary

• Early: happening or done before the usual time.
• Late: happening after the usual or expected time.
• Morning: the time from when you wake up until noon.
• Schedule: a plan for when events will happen.
• Surprise: a feeling of wonder or astonishment.

Useful Expressions

• That’s early!: used to comment on something happening sooner than expected.
  • Example: You wake up at 5:00 a.m.? That’s early!
• What time is...?: asking about the time of an event.
  • Example: What time is the meeting?
• Earlier than usual: happening before the regular or expected time.
  • Example: I’m going to bed earlier than usual today.

Sentences

1. She wakes up at 5:30 a.m. That’s early!
2. The flight leaves at 6:00 a.m. That’s early, we should get up at 4:00 a.m.
3. I have a meeting at 7:00 a.m. tomorrow. That’s early for a business meeting.
4. He goes to bed at 9:00 p.m. That’s early compared to my schedule.
5. The kids have to be at school by 7:30 a.m. That’s early for them.

Questions and Answers

1. What time does the event start?
   It starts at 7:00 a.m. That’s early!

2. Is 6:00 a.m. early for you?
   Yes, 6:00 a.m. is early for me.

3. Why do you think 8:00 a.m. is early?
   Because I usually wake up at 9:00 a.m.

4. What time do you usually wake up?
   I usually wake up at 6:30 a.m., but today I woke up earlier.

5. Do you think waking up at 5:00 a.m. is early?
   Yes, I think that’s early!

Conversation

Emma: What time is the meeting tomorrow?
Mike: It’s at 6:30 a.m.
Emma: 6:30 a.m.? That’s early!
Mike: I know, right? I’m not used to waking up that early.
Emma: Same here. I’ll have to set my alarm for 5:30 a.m. just to get ready in time.
Mike: Looks like we’re in for a long day!

Reading Practice

For many people, waking up early can be a challenge. Sarah, for example, usually starts her day at 8:00 a.m. However, last week, she had an important meeting scheduled for 7:00 a.m. “That’s early!” she thought when she saw the time. The night before, she made sure to go to bed earlier than usual. She set her alarm for 5:30 a.m., giving her enough time to get ready and arrive at the office on time. While waking up that early wasn’t part of her usual routine, Sarah felt proud of herself for making the adjustment. She realized that sometimes, starting the day early can help you get more done.