25 min

language learning center · A2 · Lesson 4

Ordering food politely

Order a meal, answer a server’s question, and ask for the bill.

Understand and learn

Work from a natural example to useful language, one small pattern, a spoken attempt, and a response that is relevant to your life.

Server

Are you ready to order?

The server checks whether the customer is ready.

Customer

Yes. Could I have the vegetable soup and a chicken sandwich, please?

The customer makes a polite order.

Server

Of course. Would you like anything to drink?

The server offers a drink.

Customer

Just water, please. And could we have the bill when you're ready?

The customer orders water and requests the bill.

Notice, try, and speak

Understand a natural example and learn a small set of useful words, phrases, and patterns.

Useful words and phrases

These items were selected by the lesson curriculum for practical use—not extracted as an every-word list.

Learn these items
  • Are you ready to order?

    Check whether someone is ready.

    Are you ready to order?

  • Could I have…?

    Order politely.

    Yes. Could I have the vegetable soup and a chicken sandwich, please?

  • Would you like anything to drink?

    Offer a drink.

    Of course. Would you like anything to drink?

  • Just water, please.

    Give a short drink order.

    Just water, please. And could we have the bill when you're ready?

  • Could we have the bill?

    Ask to pay.

    Just water, please. And could we have the bill when you're ready?

Notice, try, and speak

Which request is most appropriate in a restaurant?

Which request is most appropriate in a restaurant?

Make it yours

Order one main item, one side, and one drink in English.

Use food and drink you would genuinely choose.

Use it with someone

Role-play a restaurant order

  1. 1. Are you ready to order?
  2. 2. Could I have…?
  3. 3. Would you like anything to drink?
  4. 4. Just water, please.
  5. 5. Could we have the bill?
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