Lesson 25 – Splitting the Bill and Discussing Tips
🎯 Lesson goal
Practice how to split the bill among friends and talk about tips politely in English. Learn useful phrases for asking questions and making small requests in a restaurant.
💬 Travel dialogue
🧳 Could we have the bill, please?
🍽️ Sure, I will bring it right away.
🧳 Can we split the bill between four people?
🍽️ Yes, would you like me to divide it equally or separately?
🧳 Equally, please. It makes things easier for us.
🍽️ Alright, that will be $15 each.
🧳 Is it usual to leave a tip here?
🍽️ Yes, about 10 percent is normal, but it is not required.
🧳 Can we add the tip to the bill or pay separately?
🍽️ You can add it now or leave cash on the table, whatever is better.
🧳 We will add it now, thank you for your help.
🍽️ Thank you very much. Have a nice evening!
🧠 Explanation
In this situation, travelers ask the waiter to split the bill and discuss tipping. Learners practise polite requests, explanations, and questions. This helps in real restaurants when paying with friends.
🧳 Survival English
🧳 Can we split the bill? (Ask to pay separately)
🧳 Is the tip included? (Ask about the service charge)
🧳 How much should I tip? (Ask for advice on tipping)
💡 Common English mistake
❌ Can we split the bill equal?
✅ Can we split the bill equally?
🔊 Pronunciation
Focus on the ‘th’ sound in ‘thank you’ which can be tricky; gently place your tongue between your teeth.
🌍 Travel tip
In many countries, tipping 10 to 15 percent is polite if the service is good, but always check local customs first.
🎧 Listen and repeat
🎧 Could we have the bill, please?
🎧 Can we split the bill between four people?
🎧 Equally, please. It makes things easier for us.
🎧 Is it usual to leave a tip here?
🎧 Can we add the tip to the bill or pay separately?
🎧 We will add it now, thank you for your help.
🧩 Mini Practice
Repeat these sentences aloud.
Ask: Could we have the bill, please?
Ask: Can we split the bill between four people?
Say: We would like to pay separately.
Ask: Is the tip included in the bill?
Say: Please divide the bill equally.
Ask: Can we add the tip to the card payment?
Say: Leaving a tip is usual here.
Ask: How much should we tip?
Say: We want to leave the tip in cash.
Say: Thank you for your help with the bill.
🧳 Glossary
| English | Meaning |
|---|---|
| split the bill | To divide the total cost so each person pays their part |
| tip | Extra money given to the waiter for good service |
| equally | Dividing something so each part is the same |
| separately | Paying the bill as individual amounts, not together |
| service charge | An added fee sometimes included in the bill for service |
| add to the bill | Include extra costs, like tip, on the total payment |
| cash | Money in coins or notes, not by credit card |
| payment | The act of giving money to pay for something |
✅ Quick check
Can you understand the dialogue and repeat the important sentences?