service included

Meaning

This phrase means that the cost of serving you is already factored into the prices on the menu or added as a charge on the final bill. It is very common in Europe and the UK, indicating that you do not need to leave a large additional tip unless you received exceptional service. The tone is formal to neutral.

Examples

• The menu says 'service included,' so we only need to pay the written price.

  The menu says 'service included,' so we only need to pay the written price.

• In this country, service is usually included in the bill.

  In this country, service is usually included in the bill.

• Is service included, or should we leave some extra coins?

  Is service included, or should we leave some extra coins?

• I prefer dining at places where service is included to avoid math at the end.

  I prefer dining at places where service is included to avoid math at the end.

• Check the bottom of the menu to see if service is included.

  Check the bottom of the menu to see if service is included.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ The service is include in the price.

  ✓ Service is included in the price.

  'Include' must be in the past participle form 'included' when describing a passive state. Also, 'service' doesn't always need the article 'the' when talking about the general concept on a bill.

• ✗ We don't tip because the service is inside.

  ✓ We don't tip because service is included.

  Avoid translating literally from other languages (like 'inside' or 'within'). The standard English phrase is 'service included'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• At many European restaurants, the prices you see have ___.

  💡 The cost of service is already in the menu price.

  Show answer

  service included

• Do we need to tip the waiter, or is ___?

  💡 Is the gratuity already part of the bill?

  Show answer

  service included