Essential Shopping Phrases for ESL Learners

Key Phrases for Shopping with Examples and Meanings

Shopping is a common activity that requires effective communication, especially in a new language. This lesson covers essential shopping phrases and vocabulary, providing over 80 examples to help you navigate stores confidently and interact with shop assistants efficiently.

By learning these phrases, you'll be able to ask for help, inquire about products, discuss prices, and handle transactions smoothly. This lesson is designed to make your shopping experiences more enjoyable and less stressful.

Whether you're buying groceries, clothes, or other items, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the language skills needed to communicate effectively in any shopping scenario.

Useful Vocabulary for Shopping

In this section, we'll explore specific phrases and vocabulary relevant to shopping. Each term will be accompanied by a detailed meaning and example sentences to illustrate its usage in context.

Common Shopping Phrases

1. Do you have a smaller size?
   Meaning: Asking if a smaller size of an item is available.
   Example: Do you have a smaller size for this dress?
   Example: I need a smaller size; do you have one?
   Example: Do you have a smaller size in stock?

2. Where is the changing room?
   Meaning: Asking for the location of the room where you can try on clothes.
   Example: Where is the changing room? I want to try this on.
   Example: Can you tell me where the changing room is?
   Example: Excuse me, where is the changing room?

3. Do you know where else I could try?
   Meaning: Asking for recommendations of other places to find what you're looking for.
   Example: Do you know where else I could try for this item?
   Example: If you don't have it, do you know where else I could try?
   Example: Could you suggest another store where I could try?

4. Do you have this item in stock?
   Meaning: Inquiring if a particular item is available for purchase.
   Example: Do you have this item in blue in stock?
   Example: I wanted to know if you have this item in stock.
   Example: Do you have this item in stock or is it sold out?

5. Do you offer a cash discount?
   Meaning: Asking if there is a discount for paying with cash.
   Example: Do you offer a cash discount on large purchases?
   Example: I was wondering if you offer a cash discount.
   Example: Do you offer a cash discount for this item?

6. Do you have any strawberries?
   Meaning: Asking if strawberries are available for purchase.
   Example: Do you have any strawberries in stock?
   Example: I was looking for strawberries; do you have any?
   Example: Do you have any fresh strawberries today?

7. Do you have a refund policy?
   Meaning: Inquiring about the store's policy on refunds.
   Example: Do you have a refund policy for returns?
   Example: Could you explain your refund policy?
   Example: Do you have a refund policy if I change my mind?

8. How much is this?
   Meaning: Asking for the price of an item.
   Example: How much is this shirt?
   Example: Excuse me, how much is this?
   Example: Can you tell me how much is this?

9. Do you have a bigger size?
   Meaning: Asking if a larger size of an item is available.
   Example: Do you have a bigger size for these shoes?
   Example: I need a bigger size; do you have one?
   Example: Do you have a bigger size in stock?

10. Do you sell organic vegetables?
    Meaning: Inquiring if the store sells organic vegetables.
    Example: Do you sell organic vegetables here?
    Example: I prefer organic; do you sell organic vegetables?
    Example: Do you sell organic vegetables at this market?

11. Could you help me, please?
    Meaning: Requesting assistance from a store employee.
    Example: Could you help me, please? I'm looking for a jacket.
    Example: Excuse me, could you help me, please?
    Example: Could you help me, please? I can't find the cereal aisle.

12. Where can I weigh my groceries?
    Meaning: Asking for the location to weigh items before purchasing.
    Example: Where can I weigh my groceries before checking out?
    Example: Can you tell me where I can weigh my groceries?
    Example: Excuse me, where can I weigh my groceries?

13. Does it come with a guarantee/warranty?
    Meaning: Asking if an item includes a guarantee or warranty.
    Example: Does it come with a guarantee?
    Example: I wanted to know if it comes with a warranty.
    Example: Does this product come with a guarantee or warranty?

14. I'm looking for a leather handbag.
    Meaning: Stating that you are searching for a specific item.
    Example: I'm looking for a leather handbag; do you have any?
    Example: Can you help me? I'm looking for a leather handbag.
    Example: I'm looking for a leather handbag in black.

15. Would you have this in another colour?
    Meaning: Asking if an item is available in a different colour.
    Example: Would you have this in another colour, like red?
    Example: I like this, but would you have it in another colour?
    Example: Would you have this in another colour or just this one?

16. Do you have something less pricey (expensive)?
    Meaning: Inquiring if there is a cheaper alternative.
    Example: Do you have something less pricey in this style?
    Example: I'm looking for a cheaper option; do you have something less expensive?
    Example: Do you have something less pricey than this?

17. Where is the fitting room?
    Meaning: Asking for the location of the room to try on clothes.
    Example: Where is the fitting room? I want to try these on.
    Example: Can you tell me where the fitting room is?
    Example: Excuse me, where is the fitting room?

Common Shopping Questions and Responses

1. Are you in the queue?
   Meaning: Asking if someone is waiting in line.
   Example: Are you in the queue for the checkout?
   Example: Excuse me, are you in the queue?
   Example: Are you in the queue or just browsing?

2. Next, please!
   Meaning: Indicating that the next person in line can be served.
   Example: Next, please! The cashier called.
   Example: The assistant said, "Next, please!"
   Example: I heard, "Next, please!" and stepped forward.

3. Do you take credit cards?
   Meaning: Asking if the store accepts credit card payments.
   Example: Do you take credit cards for payment?
   Example: I wanted to check, do you take credit cards?
   Example: Do you take credit cards or only cash?

4. I'll pay in cash.
   Meaning: Indicating you will pay with cash.
   Example: I'll pay in cash, if that's alright.
   Example: I told the cashier, "I'll pay in cash."
   Example: I'll pay in cash, not by card.

5. I'll pay by card.
   Meaning: Indicating you will pay with a credit or debit card.
   Example: I'll pay by card for this purchase.
   Example: The customer said, "I'll pay by card."
   Example: I'll pay by card, not cash.

6. Could I have a receipt, please?
   Meaning: Asking for a receipt of the transaction.
   Example: Could I have a receipt, please?
   Example: The customer asked, "Could I have a receipt, please?"
   Example: Could I have a receipt, please, for my records?

7. Would you be able to gift wrap it for me?
   Meaning: Requesting if an item can be gift wrapped.
   Example: Would you be able to gift wrap it for me?
   Example: I asked, "Would you be able to gift wrap it for me?"
   Example: Would you be able to gift wrap it for me, please?

8. Would you like a bag?
   Meaning: Asking if the customer needs a bag for their purchase.
   Example: Would you like a bag for your items?
   Example: The cashier asked, "Would you like a bag?"
   Example: Would you like a bag or have your own?

9. I'd like to return this.
   Meaning: Stating that you want to return an item.
   Example: I'd like to return this item, please.
   Example: I went to the counter and said, "I'd like to return this."
   Example: I'd like to return this; it's not what I needed.

10. I'd like to change this for a different size.
    Meaning: Requesting to exchange an item for another size.
    Example: I'd like to change this for a different size, please.
    Example: I told the assistant, "I'd like to change this for a different size."
    Example: I'd like to change this for a different size; it's too big.

11. It doesn't work.
    Meaning: Stating that an item is not functioning properly.
    Example: This gadget doesn't work; I'd like a refund.
    Example: I explained, "It doesn't work as advertised."
    Example: It doesn't work; can I exchange it?

12. It doesn't fit.
    Meaning: Stating that an item does not fit properly.
    Example: This shirt doesn't fit; can I get a different size?
    Example: I said, "It doesn't fit, unfortunately."
    Example: It doesn't fit; I'd like to return it.

13. Could I have a refund?
    Meaning: Asking for your money back for a returned item.
    Example: Could I have a refund for this, please?
    Example: The customer asked, "Could I have a refund?"
    Example: Could I have a refund as this is defective?

14. Have you got the receipt?
    Meaning: Asking if the customer has the proof of purchase.
    Example: Have you got the receipt for this item?
    Example: The assistant asked, "Have you got the receipt?"
    Example: Have you got the receipt to process the return?

15. Could I speak to the manager?
    Meaning: Requesting to talk to the store manager.
    Example: Could I speak to the manager about this issue?
    Example: I asked, "Could I speak to the manager?"
    Example: Could I speak to the manager, please?

16. Could you tell me where the ... is?
    Meaning: Asking for the location of a specific item.
    Example: Could you tell me where the bread is?
    Example: I asked, "Could you tell me where the toiletries are?"
    Example: Could you tell me where the dairy section is?

17. Where can I find the ...?
    Meaning: Asking where a specific item is located.
    Example: Where can I find the pasta?
    Example: I wondered, "Where can I find the stationery?"
    Example: Where can I find the cleaning supplies?

18. Have you got anything cheaper?
    Meaning: Asking if there is a less expensive option.
    Example: Have you got anything cheaper than this?
    Example: The customer asked, "Have you got anything cheaper?"
    Example: Have you got anything cheaper in this range?

19. It's not what I'm looking for.
    Meaning: Stating that an item does not meet your needs.
    Example: It's not what I'm looking for; do you have alternatives?
    Example: I said, "It's not what I'm looking for."
    Example: It's not what I'm looking for; can you suggest something else?

20. Do you know anywhere else I could try?
    Meaning: Asking for recommendations of other stores.
    Example: Do you know anywhere else I could try for this item?
    Example: I asked, "Do you know anywhere else I could try?"
    Example: Do you know anywhere else I could try in this area?

21. Does it come with a guarantee?
    Meaning: Asking if an item includes a guarantee.
    Example: Does it come with a guarantee or warranty?
    Example: The customer asked, "Does it come with a guarantee?"
    Example: Does it come with a guarantee against defects?

22. How much is this?
    Meaning: Asking for the price of an item.
    Example: How much is this lamp?
    Example: I wondered, "How much is this?"
    Example: Can you tell me how much is this?

23. How much are these?
    Meaning: Asking for the price of multiple items.
    Example: How much are these apples?
    Example: The customer asked, "How much are these?"
    Example: How much are these shoes?

24. How much does this cost?
    Meaning: Asking for the price of an item.
    Example: How much does this jacket cost?
    Example: I asked, "How much does this cost?"
    Example: Can you tell me how much does this cost?

25. What times are you open?
    Meaning: Asking for the store's operating hours.
    Example: What times are you open during the week?
    Example: I asked, "What times are you open?"
    Example: Can you tell me what times are you open on weekends?

Common Shopping Words

1. Window Shopping
   Meaning: Looking at items on sale without intending to buy.
   Example: I enjoy window shopping on the weekends.
   Example: We went window shopping and saw some nice dresses.
   Example: Window shopping can be fun and relaxing.

2. In Cash/By Card
   Meaning: Using cash or a credit card to make a purchase.
   Example: I'll pay in cash today.
   Example: She prefers to pay by card.
   Example: Do you want to pay in cash or by card?

3. Spend Money on Something
   Meaning: Using money to buy or pay for something.
   Example: I like to spend money on books.
   Example: He spends a lot of money on gadgets.
   Example: How much do you spend money on groceries?

4. A Receipt
   Meaning: Paper proof of a purchase.
   Example: Can I have a receipt for this purchase?
   Example: Keep your receipt in case you need to return something.
   Example: The cashier gave me a receipt.

5. Grocery Shopping
   Meaning: Shopping for food items.
   Example: We do our grocery shopping every Saturday.
   Example: I need to go grocery shopping this afternoon.
   Example: Grocery shopping can take up a lot of time.

6. Retail Therapy
   Meaning: Shopping to feel better emotionally.
   Example: I need some retail therapy after a long week.
   Example: She believes in retail therapy to lift her mood.
   Example: Retail therapy can be fun and satisfying.

7. What a Bargain!
   Meaning: Exclaiming that an item was bought for much less than normal.
   Example: I got this dress for only £10. What a bargain!
   Example: These shoes were on sale for 50% off. What a bargain!
   Example: What a bargain! I saved a lot of money on this purchase.

8. A Bargain
   Meaning: Excellent value for an item or purchase.
   Example: I found a bargain at the market today.
   Example: This laptop was a bargain at that price.
   Example: Finding a bargain always feels great.

9. A Good Deal
   Meaning: Paying a low price for something valuable.
   Example: This phone was a good deal.
   Example: I got a good deal on my new car.
   Example: Was it a good deal or did you pay too much?

10. Shop Online
    Meaning: Buying items on the internet.
    Example: I prefer to shop online for convenience.
    Example: She loves to shop online for clothes.
    Example: You can find great deals when you shop online.

11. Do Shopping
    Meaning: Completing weekly or monthly shopping.
    Example: We need to do shopping for the week.
    Example: Let's do shopping on Sunday morning.
    Example: Doing shopping can be tiring but necessary.

12. Shop Around
    Meaning: Compare prices in different shops before buying.
    Example: It's wise to shop around before making a big purchase.
    Example: We decided to shop around for the best deal.
    Example: Shopping around can save you money.

13. Shopaholic
    Meaning: Someone who loves shopping excessively.
    Example: She's a shopaholic and buys new clothes every week.
    Example: Being a shopaholic can be expensive.
    Example: Are you a shopaholic, or do you shop only when necessary?

14. Wallet
    Meaning: A money/card holder.
    Example: I lost my wallet at the store.
    Example: Keep your wallet safe while shopping.
    Example: He bought a new leather wallet.

15. Take Something Back
    Meaning: Returning an unwanted item to a shop.
    Example: I need to take this shirt back; it doesn't fit.
    Example: She took the shoes back because they were too tight.
    Example: Can I take this back if it doesn't work?

16. Outlet Mall
    Meaning: A shopping area with many stores in one location.
    Example: We went to the outlet mall for some bargains.
    Example: The outlet mall has great discounts on brand names.
    Example: Outlet malls are popular for shoppers looking for deals.

17. Get a Refund
    Meaning: Receiving money back after returning an item.
    Example: I got a refund for the faulty product.
    Example: Can I get a refund if I return this?
    Example: Getting a refund was easy and quick.

18. On Sale
    Meaning: Available to buy at a reduced price.
    Example: These shoes are on sale this week.
    Example: I love it when things are on sale.
    Example: The jacket was on sale for half price.

19. Try Something On
    Meaning: Trying clothes in a shop before buying them.
    Example: Can I try this dress on, please?
    Example: She tried on several outfits before buying.
    Example: It's always good to try something on before purchasing.

20. Price Tag
    Meaning: A label showing the price of an item.
    Example: The price tag says it's £30.
    Example: Always check the price tag before buying.
    Example: The price tag was missing, so I asked for help.

21. Waste Money on Something
    Meaning: Spending money unnecessarily on something.
    Example: Don't waste money on things you don't need.
    Example: He wasted money on gadgets he never uses.
    Example: Wasting money on unnecessary items can be avoided.

22. Go Shopping
    Meaning: Going to shops to buy things.
    Example: We're going shopping this afternoon.
    Example: I like to go shopping with my friends.
    Example: Going shopping can be a fun activity.

23. Bargain Hunting
    Meaning: Searching for bargains or deals.
    Example: We spent the day bargain hunting at the market.
    Example: Bargain hunting can save you a lot of money.
    Example: Are you good at bargain hunting?

24. For Sale
    Meaning: Available to buy.
    Example: The house is for sale.
    Example: These items are for sale at a discount.
    Example: Is this still for sale or sold out?

25. Sale
    Meaning: An event where items are sold at reduced prices.
    Example: The store is having a sale this weekend.
    Example: I bought these during the summer sale.
    Example: The sale attracted many customers.

Summary and Takeaways

In this lesson, we covered essential shopping phrases and vocabulary, providing over 80 examples to help you navigate stores and interact with shop assistants confidently. You learned how to ask for help, inquire about products, discuss prices, and handle transactions smoothly.

Practising these phrases will enhance your confidence and ability to handle shopping situations in English. Whether you're buying groceries, clothes, or other items, this comprehensive guide equips you with the necessary language skills.

Exercises

1. Role-Playing: Practise these phrases with a partner, taking turns being the customer and the shop assistant.
2. Writing Practice: Write a dialogue between a customer and a shop assistant using the phrases learned in this lesson.
3. Listening Practice: Watch shopping-related videos or listen to podcasts and note down any new vocabulary or phrases.

By mastering these expressions, you'll be able to navigate shopping situations more effectively and with greater ease. Remember to regularly review and practise the phrases to reinforce your learning.

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