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Sharing Dietary Restrictions and Preferences

Attendees are communicating any allergies, dietary restrictions (e.g., vegetarian, gluten-free), or specific food preferences to the host and other contributing friends.

Dialogue

Listen and follow along with the conversation

1
Emily (Female)
Hey everyone, just finalizing the dinner party details for next Saturday! Does anyone have any dietary restrictions or preferences I should know about?
2
John (Male)
Thanks, Emily! Yes, actually, I'm trying to cut back on carbs, so anything lighter would be great. But I'm not super strict, just a preference.
3
Sarah (Female)
Oh, that's good to ask! For me, I'm gluten-free, so I'd appreciate if there are some options for that. No worries if it's just a side dish or two!
4
Michael (Male)
And from my side, I'm vegetarian, so if there's a main course that's meat-free, that would be amazing. Otherwise, I can always fill up on the sides.
5
Emily (Female)
Got it! John, noted on the lighter options. Sarah, I'll definitely make sure there are some clear gluten-free choices. Michael, a vegetarian main is totally doable!
6
John (Male)
Awesome, thanks Emily! You're the best host.
7
Sarah (Female)
Yes, thanks so much for being so accommodating!
8
Michael (Male)
Looking forward to it already!

Vocabulary

Essential words and phrases from the dialogue

dietary restrictions

Limitations on food due to health, allergies, or lifestyle choices, like avoiding certain ingredients.

preferences

Personal likes or choices for food, not strict rules but what you enjoy more.

cut back on

To reduce the amount of something, often used for diet or habits like eating less sugar.

carbs

Short for carbohydrates, foods like bread, pasta, and rice that provide energy.

gluten-free

Food without gluten, a protein in wheat, important for people with allergies or intolerances.

vegetarian

A person who does not eat meat or fish, but may eat dairy and eggs.

main course

The primary or biggest dish in a meal, usually the focus of the dinner.

side dish

A smaller dish served alongside the main course, like salad or vegetables.

accommodating

Willing to help or adjust plans to meet others' needs, showing kindness and flexibility.

Key Sentences

Important phrases to remember and practice

Does anyone have any dietary restrictions or preferences I should know about?

This is a polite way to ask about food needs before a party. Use it when planning events to ensure everyone is comfortable. It uses 'does anyone have' for questions to a group.

I'm trying to cut back on carbs, so anything lighter would be great.

This expresses a personal diet goal without being demanding. 'Cut back on' means reduce, and 'would be great' softens the request. Useful for sharing preferences casually.

I'm gluten-free, so I'd appreciate if there are some options for that.

This shares a strict dietary need politely. 'I'd appreciate if' shows gratitude in advance. Good for communicating allergies; the conditional 'if' makes it flexible.

I'm vegetarian, so if there's a main course that's meat-free, that would be amazing.

This explains a lifestyle choice and suggests an alternative. 'That would be amazing' expresses excitement positively. Use in social planning to specify needs without pressure.

Got it! ... noted on the lighter options.

A quick way to confirm understanding. 'Got it' means I understand, and 'noted on' means recorded or remembered. Helpful in conversations to show you're listening and will act.

Thanks so much for being so accommodating!

This thanks someone for their helpfulness. 'Thanks so much' emphasizes gratitude, and 'accommodating' praises flexibility. Use after others adjust plans for you.