All Ears English Podcast

Episode: AEE: Would You Want to Split Something? How to Ask to Share at a Restaurant

Release Date: October 4, 2025

Hosts: Lindsay McMahon (L) and Michelle Kaplan (M)

Brief Overview

In this lively episode, Lindsay and Michelle delve into the art of asking someone if they want to split a meal at a restaurant—an everyday but nuanced part of American dining culture. They explain when and how to make such suggestions, discuss the etiquette around sharing dishes, and provide listeners with natural, practical phrases they can use to navigate these conversations smoothly. The episode is packed with cultural insights, grammar tips, and playful banter.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. When Is It Appropriate to Suggest Splitting?

• Only with people you know well:
  • Splitting a main dish is generally something reserved for close friends, partners, or family (02:19–03:33).
    • Quote (Lindsay, 03:11):

      "No, I would definitely not do that, Michelle. I would warn against that, for sure. This is something for you and your partner or you and a good friend."

• Group appetizers are fine:
  • Splitting appetizers with a group, even with acquaintances or colleagues, is common and less intimate.
    • Quote (Michelle, 03:33):

      "Maybe if you don’t know the people that well, you’re just splitting an appetizer between... Do you guys want to get some chips and guac? And we’ll all split it, right?"

2. Cultural Nuances & Connection

• Deepening relationships:
  • Sharing a meal can be a subtle way to show closeness with someone (05:00–05:30).
    • Quote (Michelle, 05:00):

      "This is just, you know, kind of in a funny way deepening your relationship with somebody or showing how well you know them."

• Knowing preferences:
  • It helps to be aware of your companion’s tastes. Pizza is given as an example of where preferences can block sharing (05:30–06:13).

3. Natural English Phrases for Suggesting to Split

• Basic suggestions:
  • "Would you want to split something?" (06:21–06:25)
  • "Do you want to split a ___ and a ___?"
  • "You could get the ___ and I could get the ___."
  • Use these to open up the conversation and see if your companion is interested.
• Bonus Vocabulary:
  • "To be in between X and Y" for indicating indecision (07:47–08:01).
    • Quote (Lindsay, 07:47):

      "I’m in between the pizza and the pasta. I want to share something."

4. Handling Rejection or Disagreement

• It’s okay to say no:
  • Sometimes, one person just doesn’t want to split. Both hosts agree it’s important to stand your ground (12:42–13:11).
    • Quote (Michelle, 13:06):

      "I think I’m okay. I know, I just want the right big ziti or whatever."

• Handling awkwardness:
  • Refusing can feel awkward, but ultimately it’s better to be direct than to ‘cave’ (13:15–13:27).
    • Quote (Lindsay, 13:27):

      "'To cave' is a great bonus word for today, Michelle. So to give in. To give in to. Yeah. To not go with what you wanted originally. To compromise."

5. Confirming and Negotiating the Split

• Hedging with "I'd split":
  • Saying “I’d split something. What are you thinking?” signals openness but not commitment (11:33–11:51).
• Role play demonstration (14:01–14:33):
  • Practical example emphasizing tone, confirmation, and negotiating choices.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Lindsay (05:33):

  "You have to know that you’re on the same page. Like with my partner...we struggle a lot to split pizza because...what we like is just so different."

• Michelle (09:09):

  "First of all, I love pineapple pizza."

• Lindsay (14:23):

  "Okay, perfect. So that’s interesting. So you, you indicated you were open to it, but again, it’s a hedge because you’re not sure what I want."

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 02:19–03:33: When and with whom is it appropriate to suggest splitting
• 04:29–05:33: Sharing food as a connection moment and knowing preferences
• 06:13–07:14: Introduction to phrases for suggesting to split
• 07:47–08:12: Bonus phrase: “I’m in between ___ and ___”
• 12:06–13:27: How to politely refuse and the meaning of “to cave”
• 14:01–14:33: Realistic role play of splitting a meal
• 16:06–16:42: Cultural reflections and listener call-to-action

Practical Phrases from the Episode

• “Would you want to split something?”
• “Do you want to split a sandwich and a salad?”
• “I’m in between the chicken and the fish—do you want to share something?”
• “I’d split something. What are you thinking?”
• “I could split, but I was thinking of getting the ___.”
• “I think I’m okay. I really just want my own.”

Takeaway

• Splitting dishes is a subtle social skill in the U.S., best reserved for people you know well.
• The right language and tone can make these moments smooth and even fun.
• It’s perfectly fine to set boundaries; listen to yourself and communicate clearly.

Listener Challenge:
Reflect on whether splitting meals is common in your culture and share your experiences or opinions in the episode’s Spotify poll.

For more All Ears English, check out episode 2477: "Are there free refills? How to ask for more food and drink in English."