B1English

Takeaway & Delivery

Use these phrases to order food over the phone or at a counter, and to solve common delivery problems.

Key Phrases

Voice
Ordering for delivery · 2 ways to say it

I'd like to place an order for delivery, please.

neutral

Can I get some food delivered?

casual
Ordering to take away · 2 ways to say it

I'd like to order some food for takeout, please.

neutral

US English — use 'takeaway' in the UK.

I'd like to order some food for takeaway, please.

neutral

UK English — use 'takeout' in the US.

Staff asking where you will eat · 2 ways to say it

Is that for here or to go?

neutral

US English — staff will often ask you this.

Is that to stay or take away?

neutral

UK English — staff will often ask you this.

Giving your address · 2 ways to say it

The delivery address is 100 Main Street.

neutral

It's going to 100 Main Street, Apartment 4B.

casual
Asking about delivery time · 2 ways to say it

How long will the delivery take?

neutral

About how long is the wait?

casual
Asking about the delivery fee · 2 ways to say it

How much is the delivery fee?

neutral

Do you charge extra for delivery?

casual
Paying · 2 ways to say it

Can I pay by card over the phone?

neutral

Do I pay the driver in cash?

casual
Reporting a problem with the order · 2 ways to say it

Excuse me, I think my order is missing an item.

polite

A polite way to handle a mistake with your delivery.

Hi, it looks like I got the wrong food.

casual

Using 'it looks like' sounds softer than saying 'you made a mistake'.

Practice Dialogue

Customer
Hi, I'd like to place an order for delivery, please.
Staff
Sure. What can I get for you?
Customer
Can I get a large cheese pizza and some garlic bread?
Staff
Right. And what's your delivery address?
Customer
It's 124 Main Street, Apartment 3.
Staff
Okay, got it. That will be twenty-five dollars.
Customer
Do you charge extra for delivery?
Staff
Yes, there's a three-dollar delivery fee. Do you want to pay by card over the phone?
Customer
No, I'll pay the driver in cash. About how long is the wait?
Staff
It should take about thirty minutes.
Customer
Great, thanks.

More Eating & Drinking Out (B1)

← All English survival phrases