M6: Language Usage

Instructional objective

You will be able to use phrases and useful expression at a shopping place

Video Shopping expressions

Watch the video and practice

Video at the store

Watch the video and practice

Shopping expressions

1. Finding the right store / shop

Questions:
  • Can you recommend a good souvenir shop/store?
  • Is there a souvenir in this area?
  • Where can I get a traditional gift?
  • Can you tell me where the nearest shopping center is?
  • Could you direct me to the nearest traditional market, please?
  • Do you know where the nearest grocery store is?

Responses:

  • The best souvenir shop is in the shopping centre.
  • There are some on the main street.
  • The best traditional market is just 20 minute from the beach.
  • The convenience store on the corner might sell that.

2. Selecting goods

Clerk’s / Assistant’s Questions:

  • Can / May I help you?
  • Can I help you find something?
  • What colour would you like?
  • What size would you like?
  • Is there anything else I can help you with?
  • Would you like to try it on?
  • Is that any good?
  • What can I do for you?
  • How does it fit?
  • How about this one?
  • Anything else?
  • Would you like anything else?

Customer’s Questions:

  • Excuse me, do you work here?
  • Could you help me please?
  • I’m looking for a ….
  • I’m trying to find a ….
  • Could you tell me where the …. is, please?
  • How much is this?
  • How much are these?
  • How much does this cost?
  • How much is that …. in the window?
  • Where can I find the …. ?
  • Do you sell …. ?
  • Do you have any … ?
  • Would you have this in another colour?
  • Have you got anything cheaper?
  • Do you have something less pricey (expensive)?
  • Do you have this item in stock?
  • Do you have a smaller/bigger/larger size?
  • Do you know where else I could try?
  • Does it come with a guarantee/warranty?
  • Where is the changing/fitting room?
  • Is there somewhere I can try it/this/them on, please?
  • Where can I weigh my groceries?
  • Do/Can you deliver?
  • Do you have a refund policy?
  • Is this in the sale?

3. Making payment

Cashier’s / Clerk’s Questions:

  • Are you in the queue?
  • Are you being served?
  • Who’s next?
  • Next, please!
  • How would you like to pay?
  • Will that be cash or credit?
  • Do you have a loyalty card?
  • Would you like a bag?
  • Can I help you with anything else?
  • Will that be all?
  • Would you like a gift receipt for that?
  • Would you like me to gift wrap it for you?
  • Would you like that gift wrapped?
  • Would you like any cashback?
  • Put your card into the machine, please.
  • Enter your PIN, please.
  • That comes to ….(price), please.
  • The total is ….(price).
  • That’s ….(price), please.

Customer’s Questions:

  • Do you take credit cards?
  • Can I pay by cheque, please?
  • Could I have a receipt, please?
  • Could I have a gift receipt, please?
  • Could you gift wrap that for me please?
  • Can I put one item back, please? I’ve changed my mind about this one.
  • Could I leave my bags here, and pick them up later, please?
  • Do you offer a cash discount?
  • Does it have a warranty / guarantee?

Cashier’s / Clerk’s Responses:

  • We take / accept all major credit cards.
  • Sorry, we don’t accept cheques.
  • I’m afraid we take cash only.
  • We’re offering 6 months credit, with no deposit, if you’re interested.

Customer’s Responses:

  • I’ll pay in cash
  • I’ll pay by card
  • Here’s ….(money), keep the change!
  • That’s it for today.
  • That’s all, thanks.
  • Thank you. Have a good day!

4. Returns and complaints

Questions:

  • Who can I speak to about making a complaint?
  • Could I have a refund please?
  • Can I speak to the manager please?
  • I’d like to return this please.
  • I’d like to make a complaint.
  • I’d like to change this for a different size please.
  • Do you have the original receipt?
  • Did you buy it from one of our other stores?
  • Can I ask why you’re returning it please?
  • Can I ask why you’ve changed your mind please?

Responses:

  • It doesn’t work.
  • It doesn’t fit.
  • It was a gift, but I don’t like it.
  • It was a gift, but the person I bought it for doesn’t like it.

More exercises you may explore the following links:

  1. WORDS AND PHRASES TO HELP YOU SHOP
  2. SHOPPING Phrases, Dialogs and Phrasal Verbs!
  3. Top 15 Must-Know Phrases to Go Shopping
  4. Shopping vocabulary, expressions and phrases for learners of English
  5. English Expressions, Vocabulary and Idioms for Shopping