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Restaurant English: How to Ask for Changes or Substitutions

Learn practical English phrases for removing ingredients, changing sides, asking for substitutions, ordering sauce on the side, and confirming restaurant requests.

Restaurant English phrases for changing ingredients and asking for substitutions.

THE BIG IDEA: Name the dish, ask for one change, then confirm.

Ten phrases to practise

  1. Can I get this without ___?
  2. Can I have the sauce on the side?
  3. Can I substitute ___?
  4. Can I get ___ instead?
  5. Could you leave off ___?
  6. Can I change the side?
  7. Is there an extra charge?
  8. Can I add ___?
  9. Could you make it less spicy?
  10. So that’s without ___, right?

Use the Four Finger Rule

ITEM → CHANGE → CONFIRM → ORDER

“Without” removes an ingredient. “Instead” replaces something. “On the side” asks for something in a separate serving. Ask whether a change is possible and whether it costs extra.

Put it together

“Can I get the burger without onions? Can I get salad instead of fries? Is there an extra charge?”

Your next conversation

Choose one dish. Ask to remove one ingredient, change one side, and confirm the order.

Ten phrases: Restaurant English: How to Ask for Changes or Substitutions

Make your next conversation easier

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