Waiting in Line Politely
You approach the water fountain and see one person already using it and another person waiting. You position yourself in line behind them.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
line
A line means a queue of people waiting for something, like at a water fountain. In American English, we say 'in line' to mean waiting politely in order.
water fountain
A water fountain is a public device that provides drinking water, often found in parks or gyms. It's also called a drinking fountain.
turn
Your turn means when it is your time to do something after others, like using the water fountain. It's a polite way to talk about order in a line.
cutting ahead
Cutting ahead means going in front of others in a line without permission, which is rude. It's short for 'cutting in line.'
no worries
No worries is a casual way to say 'don't worry' or 'it's okay.' It's used to reassure someone that something is not a problem.
appreciate
Appreciate means to thank someone for their help or kindness. It's a polite way to show gratitude in everyday situations.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Excuse me, are you in line for the water fountain?
This is a polite way to start a conversation and confirm if someone is waiting. Use it when you want to join a queue without being rude. The question uses 'are you in line for' to ask about purpose in a line.
Yes, I am. Just waiting my turn.
This confirms you are waiting and explains simply. 'Just waiting my turn' shows patience in a queue. It's useful for short, clear responses in public. Note the contraction 'I am' for natural speech.
Okay, thanks. Just wanted to make sure I wasn't cutting ahead.
This thanks the person and explains your reason politely. 'Just wanted to make sure' softens the statement, showing consideration. Use it to avoid seeming rude when joining a line.
No worries at all! There's one person ahead of me, then you're next.
This reassures and gives information about the line. 'No worries at all' is idiomatic for 'it's fine.' 'Ahead of me' means in front, and 'you're next' predicts order. Great for friendly queue talk.
Great, appreciate it!
This is a quick way to thank and end positively. 'Appreciate it' is informal for 'I appreciate that.' Use short thanks like this in casual interactions to show politeness without overdoing it.