book a ticket

Meaning

This phrase means to reserve or purchase a ticket in advance for an event, show, flight, or journey. It is extremely common in British and Commonwealth English, but also widely understood and used globally. The tone is neutral and highly practical.

Examples

• You should book a ticket early because this show always sells out quickly.

  You should book a ticket early because this show always sells out quickly.

• She went online to book a ticket for the movie premiere next Friday.

  She went online to book a ticket for the movie premiere next Friday.

• It is much cheaper to book a ticket in advance than to buy one at the gate.

  It is much cheaper to book a ticket in advance than to buy one at the gate.

• I forgot to book a ticket, so now I have to wait in a very long line.

  I forgot to book a ticket, so now I have to wait in a very long line.

• Can you help me book a ticket for the train to London?

  Can you help me book a ticket for the train to London?

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I need to reserve a ticket card for the concert.

  ✓ I need to book a ticket for the concert.

  In English, we just say 'ticket', not 'ticket card'. 'Book a ticket' or 'reserve a ticket' is the standard collocation.

• ✗ He ordered a ticket from the airline website.

  ✓ He booked a ticket on the airline website.

  While 'order' is used for physical goods or food, we typically 'book' or 'buy' tickets for travel and entertainment events.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Don't forget to ___ before the prices go up tomorrow.

  💡 Reserve or buy a pass for an event or journey.

  Show answer

  book a ticket

• I tried to ___ for the festival, but the website crashed.

  💡 Purchase a reservation online.

  Show answer

  book a ticket