Declining/Confirming Packaged Items
After the food is packed, the server confirms what has been placed in the boxes, or the customer might realize they only want some items packed, not all.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
takeout boxes
Containers used to pack leftover food from a restaurant to take home. In American English, 'takeout' means food ordered to eat away from the restaurant.
pack up
A phrasal verb meaning to put food or items into a container for carrying away. It's commonly used in restaurants when customers want leftovers.
certainly
An adverb used to politely agree or confirm something, similar to 'of course' or 'sure'. It shows willingness to help.
alright
An informal way to say 'okay' or 'all right', used to confirm or accept a situation. It's casual and common in everyday conversations.
perfect
An adjective meaning exactly right or ideal. Here, it's used to express satisfaction with a suggestion or confirmation.
no problem
A casual response to 'thank you', meaning it's not a bother or you're welcome. It's very common in service situations.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Excuse me, could we get some takeout boxes for the rest of our food?
This is a polite way to request something from a server. 'Excuse me' gets attention, 'could we get' is a polite request form using 'could' for possibility, and 'the rest of our food' refers to leftovers. Useful for asking for help in restaurants.
Certainly! What would you like to pack up?
A helpful response to a request. 'Certainly' agrees politely, and the question uses 'would you like' for offering choices. This sentence shows how servers clarify customer needs, useful for service roles or understanding offers.
Just the pasta and the extra bread, please. We'll finish the salad here.
This specifies what to pack while declining others. 'Just' means only, 'extra' means additional, and 'we'll finish...here' explains intentions. It's practical for customizing requests and polite with 'please'.
Alright, so one box for the pasta and another for the bread. Is that correct?
This confirms the order by summarizing. 'Alright, so' introduces confirmation, 'one...and another' lists items, and 'Is that correct?' seeks agreement. Useful for avoiding mistakes in transactions.
Yes, that's perfect. Thanks!
A simple agreement and thanks. 'That's perfect' affirms satisfaction, and 'Thanks!' shows gratitude. This short response is common in positive interactions and helps end conversations politely.
No problem! I'll be right back with those.
A friendly reply to thanks. 'No problem' is casual for 'you're welcome', and 'I'll be right back' promises quick action. Useful for reassuring customers in service settings.