Learn what to say when reserving a table at an English restaurant
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| In the last lesson, we learned how to get a table at a restaurant, but my dear listeners, please know that because people like to go out especially during the weekends, it can be pretty difficult to get a seat. The best thing to do without a doubt is to make a reservation for the time you want to go and eat. |
| In today's lesson, we'll cover making a reservation in a restaurant. |
| Normally, if you make a phone call in order to make a reservation for the evening, you would say, I would like to make a reservation please. |
| I would like is a polite way of making a request. I would like. The next part is the verb to make. To make. And then we have our noun. A reservation. And of course since we always try to be polite, we want to add the magic word, please. So all together, we have I would like to make a reservation please. |
| Normally, they'll ask you how many people are in your party and the time of reservation. They may say, For how many people? |
| Now you would respond with a number. You can easily just say the number, for example four and it would be understood. But let's add a few simple words to it so you can sound more polite. For four please is all you need to say. |
| Okay, and next we have the time. The person may ask what time would you like to reserve it for? Let's take a look at that. What time is asking for the exact time, would you like is the polite way of asking, to reserve it for is asking for the reservation. The it in this sentence refers to the table you are reserving. So all together we have what time would you like to reserve it for? This is a good one to remember, since they may say it very fast. You might only hear the main words, such as time, like, reserve but you can make out what the question is in this case. |
| Now let's answer the question! Let's imagine you want to reserve a table at eight o'clock. |
| At eight o'clock, please is what you would say. Once again, that's At eight o'clock, please.. |
| Okay, now to close out today's lesson, we'd like you to practice what you've just learned. I'll say the phrase or sentence, and why don't you try saying it out loud? Good luck everybody! |
| - I would like to make a reservation please. |
| - For how many people? |
| - For four please |
| - What time would you like to reserve it for? |
| - At eight o'clock, please. |
| All right, that's going to do it for today! See you all soon! |
28 Comments
HideWhen and where was the last time you made a reservation?
Hello Senay,
Thanks for practicing your English language skills with us.
We are constantly updating the lessons on our site so please stay tuned! 👍
Sincerely,
Éva
Team EnglishClass101.com
I'd like to make a reservation please.
For how many people?
For three please.
What time would you like to reserve it for.
At 7 o'clock please.
Hi there Lex,
Good pick up! Prepositions at the end of a question clause can be somewhat difficult.
This is a common way of asking questions and usually an informal way too.
Feel free to shoot through any questions you have throughout your studies.
Kindly,
Éva
Team EnglishClass101.com
Hello,
Why is the preposition at the end in the follow question "What time would you like to reserve it for?"?
Thanks
Hello Borax,
Thank you for posting!
I hope you're enjoying your studies.
Feel free to shoot through any questions you have throughout your studies.
Cheers,
Éva
Team EnglishClass101.com
I would like to make a reservation please
Yes please
For how many people
For 40 please
What time would you like to reserve it for
At 22.00
Excuse me closed at this time
Hello Ventsislav,
Thank you for the post!
In case of any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Cheers,
Éva
Team EnglishClass101.com
I would like to make a reservation please.
- For how many people ?
For four please.
- What time would you like to reserve it for.
At eight o'clock please.
I'm so hungry 😜😜😜
Hello Ibrahim
Thank you for leaving the comment.
If you have any questions, please let us know.
Sincerely,
Cristiane
Team Englishclass101.com
Sounds pretty good