To Ring in the New Year

To Ring in the New Year:  to celebrate the beginning of the new year at midnight on December 31. 

Example 1

Nina: I am so excited for tonight! I’ve always wanted to ring in the new year from Times Square in New York City!

Vince: I know, but it’s going to be cold. Do you have a warm coat?

Nina: Yes, I am completely prepared. I have a warm coat and gloves, plus thick boots.

Vince: Well, there will be a lot of other people ringing in the new year with us, so be prepared to stand up for a long time!

Example 2

Bob: We are planning a big party to ring in the new year. Would you like to come?

Ken: Sure! When is it?

Bob: Well, we are ringing in the new year, so of course it’s on New Year’s eve.

Ken: Oh, sorry. I have to work that night.

Bob:  Really? That’s too bad! Why don’t you come over after work?

Ken: OK. I finish work at about 10:30 PM. Can I come over after that?

Bob: That’s perfect! You can ring in the new year with us at midnight!

Explanation: To ring in the new year means to celebrate the new year at midnight on December 31^st. In both example dialogues above, people are planning different ways to ring in the new year. In the first, they are going to Times Square in New York, a famous place where crowds gather at midnight on December 31^st to ring in the new year. In the second dialogue, Bob is inviting his friend to a New Year’s party. For more information, please visit www.languagesystems.org.