leave a tip

Meaning

This means to give an extra amount of money to a server, driver, or service worker to show appreciation for their service. It is a standard practice in many English-speaking countries.

Examples

• In the US, it is customary to leave a tip of 15 to 20 percent.

  In the US, it is customary to leave a tip of 15 to 20 percent.

• The service was so excellent that we decided to leave a generous tip.

  The service was so excellent that we decided to leave a generous tip.

• Did you leave a tip on the table, or did you add it to the card?

  Did you leave a tip on the table, or did you add it to the card?

• I didn't have any cash, so I couldn't leave a tip for the valet.

  I didn't have any cash, so I couldn't leave a tip for the valet.

• Even if the food is just okay, I usually leave a tip for the hard-working staff.

  Even if the food is just okay, I usually leave a tip for the hard-working staff.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ Don't forget to give a tip on the table.

  ✓ Don't forget to leave a tip on the table.

  While 'give a tip' is understood, 'leave a tip' is the much more natural collocation when physically leaving money or adding it to a bill.

• ✗ I left a tip of 5 dollars to the waiter.

  ✓ I left a 5-dollar tip for the waiter.

  Use the preposition 'for' to indicate who receives the tip, rather than 'to'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• We should ___ because the service was absolutely wonderful.

  💡 Give extra money to show appreciation

  Show answer

  leave a tip

• Do people usually ___ at coffee shops in this country?

  💡 Add extra money for service

  Show answer

  leave a tip