“Can I get this to go?” — how to order takeaway in English

Your coffee is ready, but you need to leave for a meeting. That’s the moment for Can I get this to go? — a short, polite phrase you can use in almost any café.

The phrase: Can I get this to go?

The most natural way to ask for takeaway is Can I get this to go? Here to go means “to take away and leave”. It works in cafés, bakeries and restaurants. In Ukrainian the same idea is «з собою».

• Can I get this to go?Asking for takeaway about something you can point at.
• Can I get a sandwich to go, please?Naming the item instead of pointing.
• Could I get this to go, please?A slightly more polite version.
• I’d like the cake to go, please.A friendly, clear way to order.

Use this for something you can see on the counter or menu. If you’ve already named the item, say it: Can I get it to go?

The question you’ll hear: For here or to go?

The staff will often ask For here or to go? — that is, “Will you eat here or take it away?” Two short answers are enough:

• For here, please.You’ll stay and eat or drink in the café.
• To go, please.You’ll take it with you.

For a drink to take away, see the latte to go lesson, and for a quick follow-up order, try I’ll take the same, please.

To go, not “with me”

Learners often translate the Ukrainian «з собою» word for word. Can I take this with me? is understandable, but it sounds unusual in a café. To go is the standard term for food and drinks you take away. In Britain people more often say to take away or takeaway.

• Can I get this for going? — incorrect. Use to go.
• Can I have this to go with me? — too many words. To go already means “with me”.
• Can I get this to go away? — sounds like you’re asking someone to leave. Don’t use it for food.

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