Daily lifeSpeaking roleplay

Ordering coffee in English

Order a drink and something to eat, ask what is good and sort out a wrong order, out loud, with a barista who reacts to what you say.

Your level

Sam, barista

Hi, what can I get started for you?

Your goal Order for yourself, ask what's good and deal with a small problem.

Example conversation: ordering coffee

How the roleplay can go at each level, with answers that work. In the roleplay, Sam reacts to your own words, so it can go differently.

BeginnerOrder a drink and something to eat, and pay.

IntermediateOrder for yourself, ask what's good and deal with a small problem.

Sam
Hi, what can I get started for you?
You
Could I have a flat white, please?
Sam
Sure. Any milk with that? Oat milk is fifty cents extra.
You
Oat milk, please. That's fine.
Sam
Oat milk, no problem. And we're out of blueberry muffins today, sorry. Would you like something else?
You
No worries, I'll take a croissant instead.
Sam
Good choice. Is that to eat in or take away?
You
To eat in, please.
Sam
Great, I'll bring it over. That's seven twenty. Just tap your card when you're ready.
You
Here you go. Thanks!
Sam
Lovely, all done. Your order will be at the end of the counter. Enjoy!

Upper intermediateTry something new, sort out a wrong order politely and chat a little.

The phrases the roleplay listens for at each level. Use one and it lights up in the roleplay.

Beginner

Intermediate

Upper intermediate

Things people often say here, and a more natural way to say them. If you say one in the roleplay, you see the fix under your answer.

Instead ofI want a coffee.
SayCan I get a coffee?
“Can I get…, please?” sounds friendlier than “I want”.
Instead ofOne coffee big.
SayOne large coffee.
The size goes before the drink: a large coffee.
Instead ofI will take a croissant.
SayI'll have a croissant.
Use “I’ll have” when you order.
Instead ofGive me a latte.
SayCould I have a latte?
A question sounds more polite: “Could I have…?”
Instead ofWith milk without sugar.
SayWith milk no sugar.
In orders, “no sugar” is shorter and more natural.
Instead ofWhat do you recommend for eat?
SayWhat do you recommend to eat?
After “recommend”, say “something to eat”.
Instead ofYou made a mistake with my order.
SayI think there's been a mix-up with my order.
Softer: it doesn’t blame the person.
Instead ofCan you make it less sweetly?
SayCan you make it less sweet?
“Sweet” describes the drink, so it stays an adjective.
Instead ofI am waiting since ten minutes.
SayI've been waiting for ten minutes.
For time up to now: “I’ve been waiting for…”
Instead ofThis is not my order.
SayI don't think this is my order.
“I don’t think…” sounds softer than “This is not…”.

Eleven more everyday situations, each at three levels. See them all.