How do you and your friends usually handle splitting the bill when you eat out?

A natural way to answer

It depends on the group. With close friends we usually split the bill evenly, but if someone only had a coffee, we'll chip in our own share. Nobody really keeps a strict count.

Key phrases to use

• split it down the middle — to divide the cost equally between everyone“Let's just split it down the middle.”
• pick up the tab — to pay the whole bill for everyone“Don't worry, I'll pick up the tab tonight.”
• chip in — to each give some money toward a shared cost“If we all chip in, it won't cost much.”