Asking if a Chair is Taken
You approach a table where one person is sitting, and there's an empty chair right next to them. You need to politely ask if the chair is free.
Dialogue7
Excuse me, is this chair taken?
No, it's not. Please, feel free.
Oh, thank you so much! It's really hard to find a seat in here today.
I know, right? It's always like this around lunchtime.
Yeah, I guess so. Is it okay if I move these bags a little?
Oh, certainly! Let me help you with that. Sorry, I didn't realize they were in the way.
No worries at all! Thanks again.
Vocabulary7
- Excuse me
A polite way to get someone's attention or interrupt them gently, often used before asking a question in public places like a cafe.
- taken
Means occupied or in use by someone; in this context, it asks if a chair is available for sitting.
- feel free
An expression giving permission to do something without hesitation, like 'go ahead' or 'help yourself'.
- thank you so much
A strong way to express gratitude, more emphatic than just 'thank you', used when someone helps you a lot.
- I know, right?
A casual way to agree with someone and seek confirmation, common in informal conversations to show empathy.
- certainly
Means 'of course' or 'definitely yes', used to politely agree or give permission.
- no worries
A friendly way to say 'don't worry' or 'it's okay', reassuring someone that something is not a problem.
Key Sentences7
- 1
Excuse me, is this chair taken?
This is a polite question to ask if a seat is available. Use it in crowded places to start a conversation without being rude. The structure uses 'is + this + noun + taken?' for simple inquiries.
- 2
No, it's not. Please, feel free.
A helpful response giving permission. 'Feel free' means 'go ahead'. Useful for offering seats; the contraction 'it's not' shows natural spoken English.
- 3
Oh, thank you so much! It's really hard to find a seat in here today.
Expresses thanks and explains a situation. 'It's really hard to...' describes difficulty. Use this to show appreciation and make small talk in social settings.
- 4
I know, right? It's always like this around lunchtime.
Agrees with the other person casually. 'I know, right?' seeks agreement; 'around lunchtime' means near that time. Great for building rapport in everyday chats.
- 5
Yeah, I guess so. Is it okay if I move these bags a little?
'Yeah, I guess so' is informal agreement meaning 'probably yes'. The question politely asks permission. Use when seeking approval for small actions.
- 6
Oh, certainly! Let me help you with that.
Offers help enthusiastically. 'Certainly' means 'yes, of course'. The imperative 'Let me help' suggests assistance. Useful in polite interactions to be friendly.
- 7
No worries at all! Thanks again.
Reassures and thanks. 'No worries' dismisses any apology; 'thanks again' repeats gratitude. Perfect for ending conversations positively.