English Learning: Taking a Taxi

Dialogue

Current Situation

Taking a taxi is a common way to travel in many cities around the world. In the past, people usually stood on the street and waved their arm to “hail” a taxi, like Alice and Bob tried to do. This is still possible in some places, especially in busy city centers. However, today, many people use smartphone apps like Uber or Lyft to book a taxi or a private car. These apps allow you to see the car’s location, the driver’s name, and the fare before you even get in. This makes taking a taxi more convenient and often safer. Whether you hail one from the street or book one with an app, knowing how to ask for your destination and confirm the ride is very useful for getting around!

Key Phrases

• We’re going to be late!: This means you don’t have much time and might miss something. Example: “Hurry up! The movie starts soon, we’re going to be late!”
• Grab a taxi: To get a taxi. It’s an informal way to say “take a taxi.” Example: “It’s raining, let’s grab a taxi instead of walking.”
• Hail a taxi: To signal to a taxi driver on the street to stop and pick you up. Example: “In New York, you just stand on the street and hail a yellow taxi.”
• Open my app: To start an application on your smartphone. Example: “I need to open my map app to find this restaurant.”
• Can you take us to…?: A polite way to ask a driver to go to a specific place. Example: “Excuse me, driver, can you take us to the airport, please?”
• Sure thing: An informal way to say “yes” or “of course.” Example: “Can you help me with this? Sure thing!”
• Hop in: An informal invitation to get into a car or vehicle. Example: “The car is here, hop in!”

Grammar Points

1. “Be Going To” for Future Predictions and Intentions

We use “be going to” (am/is/are + going to + base verb) to talk about future plans or predictions based on what we see now.

• From the dialogue: “We‘re going to be so late!” (Alice sees the time, she predicts they will be late.)
• Example 1 (Prediction): “Look at those dark clouds! It‘s going to rain.”
• Example 2 (Intention/Plan): “I‘m going to visit my parents next week.”

2. Imperatives (Commands/Instructions)

Imperatives are used to give commands, make requests, or give instructions. They use the base form of the verb and usually don’t have a subject (because the subject “you” is understood).

• From the dialogue: “Relax, Alice!” “Open my app…” “Hop in.”
• Example 1: “Stop here, please.”
• Example 2: “Listen carefully.”
• Example 3 (Negative imperative): “Don’t worry!”

3. Making Requests with “Can you…?”

We use “Can you…?” to ask someone politely to do something.

• From the dialogue: “Excuse me, driver, can you take us to the Grand Hotel, please?”
• Example 1: “Can you help me with my bags?”
• Example 2: “Can you close the window? It’s cold.”
• Example 3 (Negative answer): “No, I can’t.” (It’s also possible to say “I’m sorry, I can’t.”)

Practice Exercises

1. Fill in the Blanks:

   Choose the best word to complete each sentence.

   1. If you see a taxi on the street, you can _______ it. (grab / hail)
   2. “I need to call a taxi.” “Just _______ my app.” (open / close)
   3. “Can you take us to the museum?” “_______ thing!” (Sure / Good)
   4. We need to hurry, we’re _______ to be late! (going / gone)
   5. The driver said, “_______ in!” when we reached the car. (Jump / Hop)

2. Match the Request to the Answer:

   Match each request to the most polite answer.

   1. Can you help me?
   2. Can you take me to the station?
   3. Can you open the window?
   1. Sure thing!
   2. Yes, I can.
   3. Of course.

3. Complete the Sentences (using “be going to”):

   Complete the sentences using the correct form of “be going to” and the verb in parentheses.

   1. Look at the sky! It _______________ (rain).
   2. I’m hungry. I _______________ (eat) lunch soon.
   3. They bought tickets. They _______________ (travel) next month.

4. Role Play Prompt:

   You are at a busy street. You need to get to the hospital quickly because your friend is waiting. You decide to take a taxi. What would you say to your friend and the taxi driver?

Answers

1. Fill in the Blanks:

   1. hail
   2. open
   3. Sure
   4. going
   5. Hop

2. Match the Request to the Answer:

   1. 1. b. Yes, I can.
   2. 2. a. Sure thing!
   3. 3. c. Of course.

3. Complete the Sentences:

   1. is going to rain
   2. am going to eat
   3. are going to travel

4. Role Play Prompt:

   (Possible answers include):
   To friend: “We need a taxi, quickly!” or “Let’s hail a taxi!”
   To driver: “Excuse me, driver, can you take us to the hospital, please?” or “Hospital, please!”