Asking About a Partially Occupied Table
The person approaches a table where some seats are taken, but others are empty, and asks if an empty seat at that table is free.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
Excuse me
A polite phrase used to get someone's attention before asking a question, especially in public places like restaurants or buses.
seat
A place where you can sit, like a chair at a table or on a bus; in this context, it refers to an available spot at a shared table.
taken
Means already occupied or in use by someone else; often used with 'seat' to ask if it's free.
go ahead
An informal way to give permission, meaning 'please proceed' or 'feel free to do it'; useful for encouraging someone to sit or start something.
mind
In this context, 'do you mind' means 'do you object' or 'is it okay with you'; it's a polite way to ask for permission.
appreciate
To feel grateful for something someone does for you; often used to say thank you in a more formal or sincere way.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Excuse me, is this seat taken?
This is a polite question to check if a seat is available before sitting; 'is this seat taken?' uses present simple tense for current status and is very common in social situations like cafes.
No, it's not. Please, go ahead.
A friendly response giving permission; 'it's not' is a contraction of 'it is not,' and 'go ahead' means proceed, making it useful for inviting someone to join you at a table.
Do you mind if I sit here?
A polite way to ask for permission; the structure 'do you mind if + present simple' is a common pattern for requesting approval without being too direct.
Not at all. There's plenty of room.
Means 'I don't mind at all'; 'not at all' is an idiomatic response to show no objection, and 'plenty of room' explains there's enough space, useful for reassuring someone.
Great. Appreciate it.
A casual expression of thanks; 'appreciate it' is a shortened form of 'I appreciate it,' showing gratitude in everyday conversations after receiving help or permission.