Learn · Sentences Dining Etiquette

If you’re uncertain about how to act at a formal dinner, asking the host discreetly can help you avoid any social faux pas.

C1

Sentence

Narrator

If you’re uncertain about how to act at a formal dinner, asking the host discreetly can help you avoid any social faux pas.

Study notes

How to use in different contexts

Giving Advice

If you're unsure about proper etiquette at a formal dinner, discreetly asking the host for guidance can prevent embarrassing mistakes.

Describing Habits

When attending formal dinners, I always discreetly ask the host if I'm unsure about something to avoid any social faux pas.

Asking About Others

Have you ever been in a situation where asking the host for guidance at a formal dinner helped you avoid a social blunder?

Sharing Hypotheticals

Without asking the host, I might have committed a social faux pas at the formal dinner.

Rephrased versions

Formal

In the event of uncertainty regarding appropriate conduct at a formal dinner, discreet inquiry of the host can mitigate potential social improprieties.

Casual

If you're not sure what to do at a fancy dinner, just quietly ask the host; it'll save you from any awkward moments.

Simpler English

If you don't know what to do at a formal dinner, ask the host quietly to avoid making mistakes.

Phrases to learn

formal dinner

A dinner party with a formal dress code and etiquette.

social faux pas

An embarrassing social mistake.