Let’s start from the assumption that the appointment is being made by phone and take a doctor’s office as the example. The first thing you will probably hear on the other line when you call is:

“Hello, this is Dr. Merrick’s office, Melissa speaking, how can I help you?” The names will be different, of course.

Your reply should be:

“My name is _____________ and I would like to make an appointment.” Make sure to give your first and last name.

“OK, what’s your date of birth?”, the receptionist will say. This is a question specific to doctor’s offices.

“January 15th 1981.” Use the ordinal number 15th (fifteenth) and give the year as well.

“Can you come in on Thursday at 9 am?” Note the preposition on before the day and at before the time.

“Yes, I can.”

“OK, you are all set for Thursday at 9 am. See you then!”

“Thank you. Have a good day, bye!”

In case the day and time the receptionist gives you is not convenient, say:

“I can’t come in on Thursday, do you have anything available on Friday afternoon or next week?”

“We don’t have any openings on Friday, how about Monday at 2 PM?”

“OK, that works, thank you.”

If you have any questions or comments regarding us or our classes, please fill out our contact request form

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After you are seated, the first thing the server will ask is if you want something to drink:

“Can I get you a drink?”
“Can I get a drink for you?”
“Would you like to order a drink now?”
“Can I get a drink started for you?”
“What would you like to drink?”

You can answer:

“Can I have a glass of water?”
“I’ll take a coke.”
“I’ll have an orange juice.”
“Water will be fine.”

After the server brings out your drinks, he/she will take your order:

“May I take your order?”
“What would you like to order?”
“Are you ready to order?”
“What would you like today?”

If you need more time, you can simply say, “Can I have a couple more minutes?”

When you are ready to order, just read what you want from the menu:

“Can I have the steak with French fries please?”
“I’ll take the steak with French fries.”

Depending on what you order, the server will have side options they will ask you about. Listen carefully to your choices and choose one. You should prepare yourself by reading the menu carefully. It should indicate what your options are.

“Would you like toast, a muffin, or cornbread?”

You can answer:
“I would like toast please.”

Most places will come by once when you are eating and ask how everything is. This is a chance for you to order something else, complain about something, or get a refill on your drink. Some of the things they might say are:

“How is everything?”
“Is everything ok?”
“How is your dinner?”
“How is your lunch?”
“Are you guys doing ok?”
“Do you need anything else?”

When you are almost done with your meal, the server might ask if you want some dessert.

“Would you like dessert today?”
“Would you like our dessert menu?”
“Would you like to order any dessert?”
“Any dessert for you today?”
“Would you like to hear our dessert special?”

If you are finished and want your bill, you can look for the server, make eye contact, and raise your hand. When they come by, ask them for the bill.

“Can I have my check?”
“Can I have my bill?”
“I’m ready for my bill.”
“I would like my check please.”

When you pay, don’t forget to leave a tip. The average you should leave is 15 percent.

If you have any questions or comments regarding us or our classes, please fill out our contact request form

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