SpeakUp

Sorting out the bill B1

Working out who owes what at the end of a meal or night out.

Working out who owes what

add up — calculate the totalA: How much did we spend on groceries this week?
B: Let me add it up. It’s about $60.

pay the bill — settle a bill (e.g., at a restaurant, for utilities, etc.)A: Who's going to pay the bill this time?
B: I'll get it, don't worry.

go halves — split a cost equallyShall we split it down the middle? (polite)
Let's just go halves. (casual)

I'll get this — offer to payAllow me — this one's on me. (polite)
Don't worry, I'll get this. (casual)

Paying at the counter

keep the change — not return coinsA: That'll be $4.50, please.
B: Here's a five. Keep the change.

After dinner

Sam: Shall we ask for the bill? I'm stuffed.

Jo: Yeah, go on. Do you want to split it?

Sam: Let me just add up what we each had — you didn't have the wine, so it's not quite even.

Jo: Honestly, don't worry about it. Let's just split the bill down the middle, it's easier.

At the counter

Cashier: That comes to £18.40 altogether.

You: Here's twenty. Keep the change, thanks.

Cashier: That's very kind, thank you!

You: No problem at all — lovely meal.

Splitting the taxi

Sam: That was a brilliant night. Shall I order us a cab home?

Jo: Go on then. We're heading the same way, so shall we just go halves on it?

Sam: Perfect, that's easier than working out the exact distance.

Jo: Sorted. I'll send you my half once the app tells us the fare.

← More money & finance situations

Practice speaking with instant AI feedback →