Making a Table Reservation

reservation

An arrangement to have a table at a specific time.

• I need to make a reservation for dinner tonight.
• Do you have a reservation?
• They have a table open for your reservation.

host

A person who greets and seats people at a restaurant.

• The host asked for my name.
• The host will show you to your table.
• You can talk to the host to ask for a table.

❌ Saying 'I want a reservation' instead of 'I want to make a reservation.'

✅ Use 'make a reservation' to sound more natural. 'I want a reservation' is understandable, but 'make' is the correct verb.

The phrase 'make a reservation' is a standard collocation in English, which means the words naturally go together. While 'get a reservation' also works, 'make a reservation' is very common.

❌ Not saying the number of people.

✅ Always say 'For [number] people' or 'a table for [number].'

The restaurant needs to know how large the table should be. It's one of the first questions a host will ask.

available

Able to be used or found.

• Are there any seats available for the 8 p.m. show?
• The host said there are no tables available until 9 o'clock.
• The menu items are available all day.

party

A group of people together, especially for a meal at a restaurant.

• A party of six is waiting for a table.
• How many people are in your party?
• Our party is seated near the window.

❌ Using 'I want a table' instead of 'I'd like to reserve a table.'

✅ Using 'I'd like to' or 'I would like to' is more polite and common for this type of request.

While 'I want...' is correct, 'I'd like to...' is considered more formal and polite in English, especially when speaking to a stranger like a host.

❌ Not confirming the details at the end.

✅ At the end of the call, repeat the details to make sure everything is correct. For example, 'So, a table for four at 7:30 p.m.?'

This is a good practice to prevent misunderstandings about the time, date, or number of people. It shows you're being careful and attentive.

inquire

To ask for information.

• I'd like to inquire about the availability of a table for two.
• You can inquire about the menu with the waiter.
• I am calling to inquire about the hours of the restaurant.

accommodate

To provide a place or space for someone.

• The restaurant can accommodate up to 50 guests.
• They were able to accommodate our special requests.
• The room is large enough to accommodate a big group.

❌ Using overly simple phrases from a beginner level when you have the vocabulary for more formal speech.

✅ Use more advanced vocabulary like 'inquire' and 'accommodate' to sound more natural and professional.

Advanced English is about choosing the right words for the situation. Using more formal terms like 'inquire' instead of 'ask' shows a higher level of fluency.

❌ Being too direct or sounding like you are in a rush.

✅ Take a moment to use a greeting and polite phrases. For example, 'Good evening. I'd like to inquire...' instead of 'Reservation for 8.'

A polite and professional tone is important in advanced communication. It shows respect and can lead to a better experience. Even in a quick phone call, starting with a polite greeting is a good practice.