Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[organica]

I understand that when you treat someone at a restaurant or cafe, the typical expression we as ESL learners learned in class is, "It's on me."

It's been a few months since I left North America, and I started to think hard to remember what my friends used to actually say when s/he was treating me. I might be incorrect, but instead of "It's on me," I think they often used other expressions. For instance, when I tried to pay for coffee or food, my friend often stopped me, saying "No, let me take this," or something similar to this. When you pick up the check at a restaurant to pay for both you and your friend, can you say, " Let me take this?" I'm all confused at this moment. Would you let me know what other expressions are used in authentic situation?
Your help will be very much appreciated.

[Nef]

[i]I understand that when you treat someone at a restaurant or cafe, the typical expression we as ESL learners learned in class is, "It's on me."

It's been a few months since I left North America, and I started to think hard to remember what my friends used to actually say when s/he was treating me. I might be incorrect, but instead of "It's on me," I think they often used other expressions. For instance, when I tried to pay for coffee or food, my friend often stopped me, saying "No, let me take this," or something similar to this. When you pick up the check at a restaurant to pay for both you and your friend, can you say, " Let me take this?" I'm all confused at this moment. Would you let me know what other expressions are used in authentic situation? [/i

There is no one right way to say this.
"It's on me" is fine.
So is "Let me take this."
"My turn" and "my treat" both work.
So would quite a few other expressions.