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Ordering food politely

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English Learning: Ordering Food Politely

Dialogue

Alice: Oh, Bob! Fancy meeting you here! Are you ordering?

Bob: Alice! Wow, what a surprise! Yes, I am. But this menu… it’s so long! My brain is doing a dance.

Alice: (Giggles) Looks like it’s doing the cha-cha. What are you thinking of getting?

Bob: I don’t know! Everything sounds good. Uhm, excuse me, waiter?

Waiter: Yes, sir?

Bob: (Panicked) Uh, could I… could I maybe have… a moment? My decision-making skills are on vacation.

Waiter: Of course, sir. Just let me know when you’re ready. (Smiles patiently)

Alice: (Whispering to Bob) Relax! Just pick something you like. Try “I’d like…”

Bob: Okay, okay. Deep breaths. Excuse me!

Waiter: Ready, sir?

Bob: Yes! I’d like… the giant pepperoni pizza, please. With extra cheese. And a diet soda. No, wait! Make that a chocolate milkshake! Please and thank you.

Alice: (Shakes head, smiling) Oh Bob. You’re never simple. I’ll go next. Excuse me, could I please have the Caesar salad? And a small orange juice?

Waiter: Certainly, ma’am. Anything else for you two?

Alice: That’s all for me, thank you.

Bob: Yes, just… just the pizza and the milkshake. Please. Thank you so much! You’re a lifesaver.

Waiter: (Chuckles) My pleasure. I’ll be right back with your drinks.

Current Situation

When you’re in an English-speaking country and want to eat out, knowing how to order food politely is super important! It shows good manners and helps the staff understand what you want clearly. Whether you’re at a fancy restaurant, a casual cafe, or just getting some takeaway, using polite phrases makes the whole experience much smoother and more enjoyable for everyone. It’s not just about getting your food; it’s about making a good impression and showing respect.

Key Phrases

  • Fancy meeting you here!: A friendly way to express surprise at seeing someone.
    Example: Fancy meeting you here! I didn’t know you came to this coffee shop.
  • Excuse me: Used to get someone’s attention politely.
    Example: Excuse me, could you tell me where the nearest restroom is?
  • Could I have…?: A polite way to ask for something.
    Example: Could I have a glass of water, please?
  • I’d like…: Short for “I would like…”, it’s a polite way to state what you want.
    Example: I’d like the chicken sandwich, please.
  • May I please have…?: A very polite way to ask for something, a bit more formal.
    Example: May I please have the menu?
  • Please: Added to a request to make it polite.
    Example: Can I have a coffee, please?
  • Thank you: Used to show appreciation.
    Example: Here is your order. Thank you!
  • That’s all for me, thank you.: Used to indicate you have finished ordering.
    Example: Waiter: Anything else? Customer: That’s all for me, thank you.
  • My pleasure.: A polite response from someone helping you, meaning “You’re welcome” or “It was no trouble.”
    Example: Customer: Thank you for the delicious meal! Waiter: My pleasure.

Grammar Points

  • Modal Verbs for Polite Requests: When ordering food, we often use special words called “modal verbs” to sound polite.
    • “Could I have…?”: This is a very common and polite way to ask for something.
      Example: Could I have a soda?
    • “I’d like…”: This is a short form of “I would like…” and it’s a polite way to say what you want.
      Example: I’d like the pasta, please.
    • “May I have…?”: This is also very polite, a bit more formal than “could I have?”.
      Example: May I have the bill, please?
  • The Power of “Please” and “Thank You”: These two words are like magic! Always add “please” when you ask for something and “thank you” after you receive it. They make your requests sound much friendlier.
    Example: Can I have some water, please? / Here is your water. Thank you!
  • “Excuse me”: Use “Excuse me” to get someone’s attention politely, especially a waiter or waitress, before you make your order or ask a question.
    Example: Excuse me, I’m ready to order.

Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the sentences with the most appropriate polite word (e.g., please, thank you, could, I’d, excuse me).

  1. _______ I have a coffee, _______?
  2. _______ me, are you ready to order?
  3. _______ like the soup of the day.
  4. Here is your drink. _______ you!
  5. _______ you bring me the sugar, _______?

Exercise 2: Put the Words in Order

Unscramble the words to make a polite sentence.

  1. the / please / bill / May / have / I / ?
  2. like / I’d / water / some / .
  3. have / burger / Could / a / I / ?
  4. much / you / very / Thank / !

Exercise 3: Respond Politely

Imagine you are in a restaurant. How would you politely say these things?

  1. You want to ask the waiter for the menu.
  2. You want to order a salad.
  3. You have finished ordering everything.
  4. You received your food.

Answers

Answers for Exercise 1:

  1. Could I have a coffee, please? (or Can / please)
  2. Excuse me, are you ready to order?
  3. I’d like the soup of the day.
  4. Here is your drink. Thank you!
  5. Could you bring me the sugar, please? (or Would / please)

Answers for Exercise 2:

  1. May I please have the bill?
  2. I’d like some water.
  3. Could I have a burger?
  4. Thank you very much!

Answers for Exercise 3:

  1. Excuse me, could I have the menu, please? / May I please have the menu?
  2. I’d like a salad, please. / Could I have a salad, please?
  3. That’s all for me, thank you.
  4. Thank you!

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