WorkIntermediate
A business dinner in English
Everyday English for a business dinner. Key line: “Could we go over the numbers after we order?”
Full script
Lin
Could we go over the numbers after we order?
Them
Sure, food first usually makes everyone nicer anyway.
Lin
Thanks, I just make better decisions with bread nearby.
Them
Same here. Once we've ordered, we can dive in.
Lin
Perfect. I also brought a short list of questions.
Them
Great, and I promise not to answer like a lawyer.
Lin
Deal. If the dessert arrives, we stop talking numbers.
Them
Agreed. Nothing says partnership like cake ending the meeting.
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
review
✓ go over the numbersUsed for numbers or data
go over = review and discuss
order first
✓ after we orderSay this after ordering
Natural at a meal; not pushy
go deeper
✓ dive inStart discussing in detail
Common in speech; livelier than start
list
✓ a short list of questionsShows you prepared a few questions
short = brief, not casual
Quick answers
review: what to say in English
Say “go over the numbers” — used for numbers or data. go over = review and discuss.
order first: what to say in English
Say “after we order” — say this after ordering. Natural at a meal; not pushy.
go deeper: what to say in English
Say “dive in” — start discussing in detail. Common in speech; livelier than start.
list: what to say in English
Say “a short list of questions” — shows you prepared a few questions. short = brief, not casual.