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How to Split the Bill

10/16/2015

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If you’re lucky, you will find a great group of people to socialize with during your stay in the United States.  However, if you’re going out in groups, it may lead to a sticky situation where you don’t know how to split a bill.  Here are the common ways groups divvy up costs in America.
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“It’s my treat!”
Sometimes, one friend will pay for the group.  In this case, you can go along as a guest and you will not need to pay.  However, it would be polite if you return the favor in the future.  In other words, if your friend takes you out to eat, plan on inviting him or her out to eat (and paying for the meal) soon.

“Let’s go dutch.”
If someone suggests going dutch, this means that he or she wants to split the bill equally among group members.  That means that everyone will pay an equal percentage of the total cost, regardless of what you ordered or did.  For example, if four people go out to eat and the bill totals $100, each person will need to pay $25.   This is a very common way to pay for group events in the U.S., but some people dislike it because you may end up paying for more than you used.

“Let’s get separate checks.”
Since some people dislike going dutch, it is also common for groups to get separate checks.  This means that the group completely divides expenses by person.  To clarify, if you get separate checks, you will only be responsible for what you ordered or did because you separated the bills up front.  If you want to do this at a restaurant, it is important to tell your server before you order.

As a final note, in the U.S., couples often count themselves as one person.  This means that when you go dutch with a couple, they may not divide the bill by head.  Obviously, this may shift the balance of the bill, so just be sure to clarify how you will pay before you go out.

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Answer Key: Polite Phrases

8/17/2015

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Here are the answers from last week’s post.  How did you do?

  1. I’m sorry to bother you
  2. Let’s toast to …
  3. good luck on …
  4. congratulations
  5. bless you
  6. nice to meet you
  7. excuse me
  8. please give my regards to …
  9. nice to see you again
  10. bon appetite

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Polite Phrases

8/10/2015

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You can use our free e-book, 100 Words for Visitors to the U.S., to fill in the blanks in these sentences.

  1. ___________________________, but I need your help.  Do you know how to get to Broadway?
  2. Before we drink, __________________ world peace.
  3. I wanted to wish you ___________________ your test.
  4. ________________ on the new baby.
  5. It’s polite to say ____________ when someone sneezes.
  6. “My name is Simone.”
    “My name is Cecilia.”
    “_________________.”
      7.  _____________, could I ask you a question?
      8.  It was great to see you.  ________________________ to your mom.
      9.  “I think I met you at last week’s meeting.”
    “You’re right!”
    “Well, ______________________________.”
      10.  Let’s eat!  ____________________!
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Business Email Scenario Responses

2/10/2015

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Hopefully, you have tried to come up with some responses to the last blog on polite structures for business emails.  Here I will share my answers.  Of course, these are just one option of many.  My answers are in italics below each scenario.

  • You are trying to complete a report by a deadline.  You have divided the report so everyone on your team is writing a section.  Everyone has submitted their portion, except for your boss.  You need to remind your boss to send you his/her section.

Dear Mr. Carpenter,

As you probably recall, I am responsible for compiling the sales report by next week.  I have received many of the sections and it is coming together nicely.  I wanted to check in with about how your section on returning customers is developing and when it might be ready to add to the report.

Thanks,
Marco


  • Your team is trying to solve a major problem.  You need to write an email to the whole team offering a few solutions and your reasoning.

Dear Team,

I have been thinking about our current situation and how we could solve our issue with data and tracking.  I'd like to propose a potential solutions that we could easily implement in the coming year.  

Since our merger with our partner company, we have struggled to merge our lists of clients and to create a systematic process for data collection.  Synergetics Consultants is a local company that specializes in resolving this particular issue.  I have taken the liberty of asking them for an estimate and they have said that they would be able to complete the work over 6 months for only $10,000.  

In my opinion, it will be money well spent!  I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts on the issue.

Sincerely,
Sue


  • Your team is still trying to solve a major problem.  Your co-worker submitted an idea, but you have concerns about it.  You need to write an email which explains your concerns and doubts to the team or co-worker.  
Hello all,

Thank you, Sue, for sharing your thoughts on how to resolve our data and tracking problems.  I think that it is a great jumping off point.  Still, I have some concerns regarding the cost of the proposed solutions.  Specifically, $10,000 is a rather large amount of money and it would significantly cut into our profits.  Would it be possible to find a less expensive company?  Alternatively, perhaps we could design the new data collection process in-house while still outsourcing the data merging process?  I imagine this might reduce the cost.

Thank you all for your input.
George


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What Would You Do? Business Email Scenarios

2/9/2015

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Keeping in mind what you have learned about polite structures and social/cultural language skills, create a response for the following situations at work.  This week, I want you to imagine you are writing emails to address different problems at work.  Write down what you would say and your reason for responding that way.  

  • You are trying to complete a report by a deadline.  You have divided the report so everyone on your team is writing a section.  Everyone has submitted their portion, except for your boss.  You need to remind your boss to send you his/her section.

  • Your team is trying to solve a major problem.  You need to write an email to the whole team offering a few solutions and your reasoning.

  • Your team is still trying to solve a major problem.  Your co-worker submitted an idea, but you have concerns about it.  You need to write an email which explains your concerns and doubts to the team or co-worker.

You can share your answers in the comment section.  Check back tomorrow for my answers.

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Hotel Scenario Responses

2/6/2015

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What did you decide to say at this problematic hotel?  My suggested responses are italicized.

  • You want to make sure you are getting the best price for the room.  Find a way to check with the hotel clerk.

Is that the best price available tonight? or Are there any discounts available for students/veterans?

  • You requested a room with a view but they gave you a room without one.  Correct this mistake by speaking with the front desk clerk.

Are there any rooms with views available?  I believe I requested one when I made my reservation.

  • The air conditioner in your room will not turn off.  You need to report the problem to the front desk over the phone.

The air-conditioning in my room won't turn off.  Could you send someone to fix it?  Thank you.

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