Asking While Carrying Items
The person is carrying bags or other items and asks if a seat is free, indicating they are ready to sit if it is.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
seat
A place to sit, like a chair in a bus, restaurant, or theater. Use it when asking about available spots.
taken
Means someone is already using or occupying something, like a seat. Common in questions like 'Is it taken?' to check availability.
free
Available and not in use, opposite of 'taken.' Often used for seats, tables, or time, e.g., 'The seat is free.'
go ahead
Permission to proceed or do something, like sitting down. It's a polite way to invite action after confirming availability.
carrying
Holding or transporting items in your hands or on your body, like bags. Useful for describing when you're loaded with shopping.
shopping
The activity of buying things from stores. Say 'finished shopping' to explain why you have many bags.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Excuse me, is this seat taken?
This is a polite way to ask if a seat is occupied. Use 'Excuse me' to get attention politely. The question uses simple present tense for current status. Useful in public places like buses or cafes to avoid sitting in someone's spot.
No, it's free. Go ahead.
A helpful response confirming the seat is available. 'It's free' means not taken, and 'Go ahead' gives permission to sit. This pattern is great for friendly interactions and shows good manners.
Oh, great! Thanks so much.
Expresses relief and gratitude. 'Oh, great!' shows happiness, and 'Thanks so much' is a warm way to say thank you. Use this after getting positive news to build rapport in conversations.
No problem. Looks like you're carrying a lot.
A casual reply to thanks, meaning 'you're welcome.' 'Looks like' observes something obvious. This sentence uses present continuous 'you're carrying' for ongoing action. Useful to acknowledge someone's situation empathetically.
Yeah, just finished some shopping.
Agrees and explains briefly. 'Yeah' is informal for 'yes,' and 'just finished' uses present perfect for recent actions. This is a natural way to continue small talk about daily activities like shopping.