Quick Check Before Sitting
The person spots an empty seat and quickly asks the nearest person if it's available before fully committing to sitting down.
Dialogue4
Excuse me, is this seat taken?
No, it's not. Go ahead.
Great, thanks!
No problem.
Vocabulary4
- Excuse me
A polite way to get someone's attention or interrupt briefly, often used before asking a question in public places.
- seat
A place to sit, like a chair or spot in a bus, theater, or restaurant; useful when checking availability in shared spaces.
- taken
Means occupied or in use by someone else; commonly used with 'seat' or 'table' to ask if something is available.
- Go ahead
An informal expression giving permission to do something, like sitting down; it's friendly and encouraging.
Key Sentences4
- 1
Excuse me, is this seat taken?
This is a polite question to check if a seat is free before sitting; use it in public to avoid awkwardness. The structure uses 'is + noun + past participle' for present state.
- 2
No, it's not. Go ahead.
A helpful response confirming the seat is available and inviting the person to sit; 'it's not' is a contraction of 'it is not,' and 'go ahead' means proceed. Useful for being courteous in everyday interactions.
- 3
Great, thanks!
A quick way to express appreciation and relief; 'great' shows positivity. Use this short response after receiving permission to keep conversations light and polite.
- 4
No problem.
A casual reply to 'thank you,' meaning it's no trouble at all; common in informal English to acknowledge thanks without formality. Helps end exchanges smoothly.