Hotel Check-in
Listen to Course
0:00
0:00
EN: The modal verb 'can' is used here to offer assistance. In a question format (Can I...?), it is a polite way to initiate help in a service context.
How can I assist you with your luggage?
EN: The phrase 'Welcome to [Place]' is the standard English structure for greeting someone arriving at a specific location.
Welcome to our new office in Taipei.
EN: In the hospitality industry, 'How can I help you?' is a standard professional greeting. It is more formal and proactive than 'What do you want?'.
EN: The prepositional phrase 'under the name' is a standard business idiom used to indicate whose name is recorded in a system or list, such as a hotel reservation or restaurant booking.
I'd like to check in for a table under the name Johnson.
EN: The Present Simple tense is used here to state a current fact or possession. In this context, 'have' functions as the main verb indicating ownership of a reservation.
He has a ticket for the concert tonight.
EN: In Western culture, 'Hi there!' is a friendly and polite way to start a conversation with service staff. It is slightly more informal than 'Good afternoon' but perfectly acceptable in a professional hotel setting.
EN: The causative verb 'let' is followed by an object and the base form of a verb (bare infinitive). It is used to offer help or ask for permission.
Let me carry those bags for you.
EN: The modal verb 'could' is used here to make a polite request. It is more formal and indirect than 'can'.
Could you sign this document, please?
EN: In international hotels, 'ID' usually refers to a passport for foreign travelers. Using 'Could I' and 'please' is standard professional etiquette in the hospitality industry.
EN: The Past Simple Tense is used to describe actions that were completed at a specific time in the past. In this sentence, 'booked' is the past form of 'book', and 'last week' provides the specific time reference.
I visited my grandparents last month.
EN: The adverb 'online' functions as an adverb of place/manner here, indicating where or how the action (booking) was performed. It does not require a preposition like 'on' or 'in'.
You can buy the tickets online.
EN: In international travel, a passport is the standard form of ID. When a hotel clerk asks for 'ID', they expect a passport from foreign guests. Using 'Of course!' shows a cooperative and friendly attitude common in service interactions.
EN: The Present Perfect Tense (have + past participle) is used here to describe a past action (booking the room) that has a direct result or relevance to the current situation (the guest arriving at the hotel).
I have already checked the flight schedule.
EN: The preposition 'for' is used to indicate the duration of time for which an action or state lasts.
They stayed in London for two weeks.
EN: In the hospitality industry, staff use the Present Perfect ('You have booked') to confirm details that were established previously. It sounds more professional and formal than the Simple Past in this context.
EN: The auxiliary verb 'does' is used to form questions in the present simple tense for third-person singular subjects (he, she, it, the room). When 'does' is used, the main verb must be in its base form (have).
Does the hotel provide free breakfast?
EN: The phrase 'view of' is used to describe what can be seen from a specific location. It is often followed by a noun phrase representing the scenery.
Our balcony has a great view of the ocean.
EN: In the hospitality industry, asking about a 'nice view' is a common way for guests to express their preferences or confirm the value of their booking. Hotels often categorize rooms based on the view (e.g., city view, ocean view, garden view), which affects the price.
EN: Non-defining relative clause: The phrase starting with 'which' provides extra information about the 'eighth floor'. It is separated by a comma because the noun it describes is already specific.
I stayed at the Grand Hotel, which is the oldest hotel in the city.
EN: Ordinal numbers for floors: In English, we use ordinal numbers (first, second, third...) to describe which level of a building a room is located on.
The gym is located on the fifth floor.
EN: In many Western hotels, the 'first floor' is the ground level, but in some regions (like the UK), the 'ground floor' is level 0 and the 'first floor' is one level up. Always clarify if you are unsure. Also, 'city view' rooms are often considered premium compared to rooms facing the back of the building.
EN: Linking Verbs (Sense Verbs): Verbs like 'sound', 'look', or 'feel' are followed by an adjective to describe the subject. They do not take an adverb in this context.
The music sounds beautiful.
EN: Participial Adjectives (-ed vs -ing): Adjectives ending in '-ed' (like 'excited') describe a person's feelings, while '-ing' adjectives (like 'exciting') describe the thing causing the feeling.
I am bored because the movie is boring.
EN: In English-speaking service environments, responding with enthusiasm (using words like 'wonderful', 'great', or 'perfect') is common and considered polite when a service provider gives good news or helpful information.
EN: The sentence uses 'Here is' to introduce or hand over an object to someone. It is a common inversion where the adverb 'here' comes before the verb 'is'.
Here is your receipt.
EN: When reading room numbers or years, English speakers often group digits into pairs or read them individually. 'Eight fifteen' (815) is a standard way to say a three-digit room number.
My office is in room four zero two.
EN: In many hotels, the first digit of a three-digit room number indicates the floor. For example, room 815 is usually on the 8th floor. When saying the number, it's common to say 'eight-fifteen' or 'eight-one-five'.
EN: The phrase 'What time' is an interrogative phrase used to ask for a specific time or clock time. It is followed by the verb 'is' and the subject 'checkout' in this sentence.
What time is the meeting tomorrow?
EN: The preposition 'on' is used here to indicate a specific day ('my last day'). In English, we use 'on' for days and dates.
I will see you on Monday.
EN: In many international hotels, the standard checkout time is between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM. Asking for a 'late checkout' is a common request if your travel plans are later in the day, though it may sometimes incur an extra fee.
EN: The preposition 'at' is used to indicate a specific point in time on a clock (e.g., at 5:00, at noon).
The meeting starts at nine o'clock.
EN: The modal verb 'can' expresses possibility or permission. It is followed by the base form of the verb (request).
You can use the gym for free.
EN: In many international hotels, 11:00 AM or 12:00 PM is the standard checkout time. A 'late checkout' is a common service that may be free or require an extra fee depending on the hotel's policy and availability.
EN: The modal verb 'might' is used to express a possibility that is less certain than 'may'. It suggests something that could happen but is not guaranteed.
I might go to the party if I finish my work early.
EN: The Present Simple tense ('leaves') is used here to talk about a scheduled future event, such as a flight, train, or bus timetable.
The train leaves at 9:00 AM tomorrow.
EN: In the hospitality industry, 'Good to know' is a polite way to acknowledge information. Mentioning a flight schedule is a common and valid reason to request a 'late checkout', which hotels often grant if rooms are available.
EN: The modal verb 'Can' is used here to make a polite request or ask for permission in a service-oriented context.
Can I have some extra towels, please?
EN: The phrase 'One more thing' acts as a transitional discourse marker to signal that the speaker has an additional point or request before ending the conversation.
One more thing, what time is breakfast served?
EN: In the hotel industry, a 'wake-up call' is a standard service where the front desk calls your room at a requested time. While smartphones have made this less common, it is still a very common and polite request in international hotels.
EN: The sentence uses the Passive Voice (be + past participle) in an infinitive form 'to be woken up'. This focuses on the person receiving the action rather than who is performing the action.
I don't like to be kept waiting.
EN: The phrase 'would you like' is a polite way to ask about someone's preferences or desires, more formal than 'do you want'.
What would you like to drink?
EN: In the hospitality industry, 'wake-up calls' are a standard service. Even in the age of smartphones, many guests prefer them as a backup or for the personal touch of a hotel service.
EN: The modal verb 'Could' is used here to make a polite request. It is more formal and softer than 'Can'.
Could you open the window, please?
EN: The phrase 'have plans to + verb' is used to describe intentions or scheduled activities in the future.
I have plans to visit the museum tomorrow.
EN: In hotels, a 'wake-up call' is a standard service where the front desk calls your room at a specific time. It is common to specify the exact time using 'sharp' if you want to emphasize punctuality, though not used in this specific sentence, it's a related concept.
EN: The Present Perfect Passive (has/have + been + past participle) is used to describe an action that has been completed at an unspecified time, focusing on the result rather than who performed the action.
The meeting has been scheduled for tomorrow.
EN: The word 'sharp' used after a time expression means 'exactly' or 'precisely' at that time, emphasizing punctuality.
Please be here at nine o'clock sharp.
EN: In the hospitality industry, 'sharp' is often used to reassure guests that services like wake-up calls or transportation will be precisely on time, reflecting high standards of service.
EN: The phrase 'By the way' is a common discourse marker used to introduce a new topic or to add information that is not directly related to the current conversation.
By the way, what time is the meeting tomorrow?
EN: In English, questions using the verb 'to be' are formed by placing the verb (is/are) before the subject (room service). This is called subject-auxiliary inversion.
Is the breakfast included in the price?
EN: In international hotels, 'room service' is a standard amenity, but its operating hours can vary. Asking about availability in the evening is common as some hotels may have limited menus or stop service after midnight.
EN: The prepositional phrase 'from... until...' is used to indicate a specific time range or duration, marking the start and end points of an action or state.
The library is open from 8 AM until 10 PM.
EN: The adjective 'available' follows the linking verb 'is' to describe the status of the subject (room service), meaning it is ready for use or obtainable.
Is there any water available?
EN: In many international hotels, 'midnight' usually refers to 12:00 AM. While some luxury hotels offer 24-hour room service, it is common for others to have a cutoff time, as shown in this sentence.
EN: The adverb 'probably' is used to indicate that something is likely to happen. In a sentence with an auxiliary verb like 'will', it usually placed after 'will' and before the main verb.
We will probably arrive at the station around 6 PM.
EN: In time clauses introduced by 'after', 'before', or 'when', we use the simple present tense to refer to future actions.
I will call you after I finish my homework.
EN: In many Western hotels, room service is a standard convenience, but it often comes with an additional service charge or 'tray fee'. It is common for guests to clarify the hours of operation, as Sarah does here.
EN: The Future Simple tense (will + base verb) is used here to state a fact or provide information about a future situation that the speaker is certain about.
You will see the swimming pool on your left.
EN: Imperative sentences like 'Enjoy your stay' are commonly used as polite formulas or well-wishes in service industries, where the subject 'you' is implied.
Enjoy your meal!
EN: In Western hospitality, it is common for staff to use the guest's first name (if appropriate) or last name to create a welcoming and personalized atmosphere. 'Enjoy your stay' is a standard professional closing phrase in hotels.
EN: The Present Perfect Tense (have + past participle) is used here to describe a state or action that started in the recent past and continues to be relevant to the present moment.
You have been very kind to us during our stay.
EN: The adverb 'so much' is used to intensify the verb 'thank' to express deep gratitude, while 'really' is an intensifier for the adjective 'helpful'.
I really appreciate your help so much.
EN: In Western hospitality culture, it is common and appreciated to use the staff member's first name (often found on a name tag) to create a friendly and personal connection when giving feedback.
Key vocabulary words with IPA pronunciation, definitions, example sentences, and interactive quizzes.
Phrases with type tags, bilingual definitions, usage notes, and example sentences.
Using a specific name for a booking or registration.
A telephone call made by a hotel to wake a guest up at a requested time.
A hotel service that enables guests to choose food and drink to be brought to their rooms.
Exactly at seven o'clock, not a minute before or after.
To verify or look up information on behalf of someone else.
A hotel room designed for two people, typically containing one large bed.
The formal process of paying the bill and vacating a hotel room.
Exactly at the stated time.