Back to Situations

Passing a Beverage Pitcher

Someone has finished pouring their drink and needs to pass the pitcher of water or juice to another person who wants some.

Dialogue

Listen and follow along with the conversation

1
John (Male)
Could you pass the water pitcher, please?
2
Emily (Female)
Oh, sorry! Of course. Here you go.
3
John (Male)
Thanks a lot.
4
Emily (Female)
Do you need more ice in that?
5
John (Male)
No, this is perfect. Thanks for asking.

Vocabulary

Essential words and phrases from the dialogue

pitcher

A container with a handle and spout used for holding and pouring liquids like water or juice. In this dialogue, it's the water pitcher being passed at the table.

pass

To hand something to someone else. Here, it means to give the pitcher to another person politely during a meal.

sorry

An expression used to apologize for a small mistake, like not noticing someone needs something. It's polite and common in everyday interactions.

of course

A polite way to say 'yes' or 'certainly' when agreeing to help. It shows willingness and is very natural in English conversations.

ice

Frozen water cubes added to drinks to make them cold. In meals, people often ask if others need more ice in their beverages.

Key Sentences

Important phrases to remember and practice

Could you pass the water pitcher, please?

This is a polite request using 'could you' for asking favors, plus 'please' for courtesy. It's useful for table manners when you need something passed during a meal, teaching indirect questions for politeness.

Oh, sorry! Of course. Here you go.

This combines an apology ('sorry') with agreement ('of course') and offering the item ('here you go'). It's a natural response when passing something, showing empathy and helpfulness in social situations like dining.

Thanks a lot.

A casual way to express strong gratitude after receiving help. 'A lot' emphasizes appreciation more than just 'thanks.' Use it after someone passes you an item to build good manners.

Do you need more ice in that?

This is an offer of help using a yes/no question with 'do you need.' It's thoughtful for checking on others' drinks, useful in meals to show care and continue polite conversation.

No, this is perfect. Thanks for asking.

A polite refusal ('no') followed by a compliment ('perfect') and thanks. It teaches how to respond positively even when declining, maintaining good relations at the table.