Clarifying After Someone Leaves
Someone briefly gets up from a seat (e.g., to get more food, make a call), and another person asks if the seat is now fully available or if they are just temporarily away.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
excuse me
A polite way to get someone's attention before asking a question, like starting a conversation in public.
available
Means something is free or ready to be used, such as a seat that no one is sitting in.
grab
Informal verb meaning to quickly get or take something, like 'grab a drink' for getting a beverage fast.
right back
An expression meaning someone will return very soon, often used when leaving temporarily.
actually
Used to emphasize the true situation or correct a misunderstanding, like showing the real fact.
definitely
Means certainly or without doubt, to express strong confidence about something.
got it
Informal way to say 'I understand' or 'I see,' useful for confirming you comprehend the information.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Excuse me, I saw someone sitting here earlier, but they just left. Is this seat available?
This is a polite question to check if a seat is free after seeing someone leave. It's useful in public places like cafes; notice the structure: starting with 'Excuse me' for politeness, then explaining the situation, and ending with a yes/no question using 'is...available?'
He just went to grab a drink. I think he'll be right back.
This explains a temporary absence and predicts a quick return. Useful for clarifying in seating situations; 'grab a drink' is casual English for getting a beverage, and 'I think' softens the opinion to be less certain.
Ah, I see. So it's not actually free then?
This shows understanding and seeks confirmation of the opposite. Great for follow-up questions; 'Ah, I see' acknowledges info, 'actually' emphasizes truth, and 'then?' invites agreement in a tag-like question.
No, I don't think so. He left his jacket on the chair, so he's definitely coming back for it.
This denies availability with reasoning. Practical for explaining why a seat is taken; 'I don't think so' politely disagrees, 'so' connects cause and effect, and 'definitely' adds certainty.
Got it. Thanks for letting me know!
A casual way to end the conversation after understanding. Very useful daily; 'Got it' means 'understood,' and 'thanks for letting me know' expresses gratitude for the information shared.
No problem.
A common response to 'thank you,' meaning 'you're welcome' or 'it's okay.' Simple and polite; use it anytime someone thanks you for help to keep interactions friendly.