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Checking on a late order in English (advanced)
Advanced English for checking on a late order. Key line: “Hi, could you check on our order? I think it's been a while.”
Full script
Lin
Hi, could you check on our order? I think it's been a while.
Them
Of course—what did you order? The kitchen's a bit snowed under tonight.
Lin
We had the grilled fish and the mushroom pasta; at this point, the pasta's training for a marathon.
Them
Oh no, let me chase it up. The fish is ready; pasta's just finishing.
Lin
If it's easier, could you bring the fish out first? We're trying not to eat the napkins.
Them
Fair enough—I can do that, and I'll nudge the pasta along too.
Lin
Amazing, thanks. We were about two minutes away from naming the bread basket.
Them
Please don't—it already answers to Charlie. I'll bring the pasta right over.
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
Check status
✓ Could you check on our order?Polite way to ask about the order status
Polite; softer than asking directly
Very busy
✓ snowed undervery busy
Spoken: extremely busy
Follow up
✓ chase it upfollow up on it
British English, also used in restaurants
Serve one first
✓ bring the fish out firstserve the fish first
Natural when you want dishes separately
Quick answers
Check status: what to say in English
Say “Could you check on our order?” — polite way to ask about the order status. Polite; softer than asking directly.
Very busy: what to say in English
Say “snowed under” — very busy. Spoken: extremely busy.
Follow up: what to say in English
Say “chase it up” — follow up on it. British English, also used in restaurants.
Serve one first: what to say in English
Say “bring the fish out first” — serve the fish first. Natural when you want dishes separately.