for here or to go

Meaning

This is a standard question asked by staff at fast-food restaurants, cafes, and bakeries. 'For here' means you want to eat or drink inside the establishment, while 'to go' means you want the food packaged so you can take it with you.

Examples

• Hi, I'd like a double cheeseburger and a large fries, please. - Sure, for here or to go?

  Hi, I'd like a double cheeseburger and a large fries, please. - Sure, for here or to go?

• Can I get an iced latte, please? - For here or to go?

  Can I get an iced latte, please? - For here or to go?

• I'll have a slice of chocolate cake, for here or to go doesn't matter, actually let's make it to go.

  I'll have a slice of chocolate cake, for here or to go doesn't matter, actually let's make it to go.

• When the barista asked 'for here or to go', I realized I was in a rush and said 'to go'.

  When the barista asked 'for here or to go', I realized I was in a rush and said 'to go'.

• They always ask 'for here or to go' at this bakery because they charge extra for dining in.

  They always ask 'for here or to go' at this bakery because they charge extra for dining in.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I want to eat this inside.

  ✓ For here, please.

  While grammatically correct, 'I want to eat this inside' sounds unnatural to native speakers. Simply say 'For here, please' when asked.

• ✗ To take away.

  ✓ To go, please.

  'To take away' is used in British English, but in American English, 'to go' is the standard response to this specific question.

Related Expressions

Practice

• The cashier at the coffee shop asked me, '___?'

  💡 The standard choice between eating in or taking food away.

  Show answer

  for here or to go

• Would you like that coffee ___?

  💡 The server wants to know where you will drink your coffee.

  Show answer

  for here or to go