English Phrases for Shopping: Talk Like a Local at Stores and Markets


Introduction 🛍️

Shopping in English can be challenging when you’re not familiar with common phrases and expressions. Let’s explore useful English phrases that will help you shop with confidence!

Basic Expressions 🏷️

Shopping Verbs

  • browse / window shop
  • try on / fit
  • purchase / buy
  • return / exchange
  • bargain / haggle
  • pay for / checkout

Common Shopping Words

  • discount / sale
  • receipt / invoice
  • refund / money back
  • size / fit
  • price tag / label
  • shopping cart / basket

Useful Expressions and Examples 🛒

When Entering a Store

Example 1: “I’m just browsing, thanks.”

“Could you help me find something?”

When Trying Things On

Example 2: “Do you have this in a larger size?”

“Where are the fitting rooms?”

When Discussing Prices

Example 3: “Is this on sale?”

“That’s a bit out of my price range.”

Conversation Examples 💬

At a Clothing Store

A: “Can I help you with anything?”

B: “Yes, I’m looking for a blue sweater in size medium.”

A: “Let me check if we have that in stock.”

B: “Thank you, I’d appreciate that.”

At the Cash Register

A: “Will this be cash or card?”

B: “Card, please. Can I use contactless?”

A: “Would you like a bag?”

B: “Yes, please. And could I have a receipt?”

Grammar Points 📚

Using Prepositions with Shopping

  1. on + sale/discount Example: “These shoes are on sale.”

  2. in + size/color Example: “Do you have this shirt in blue?”

  3. at + price Example: “It’s available at $29.99.”

Common Mistakes ❌

Incorrect: “How much it costs?” Correct: “How much does it cost?”

Incorrect: “I want to buy this ones.” Correct: “I want to buy these ones.”

Situational Phrases 🎯

Asking About Products

  • “Does this come in other colors?”
  • “What’s your return policy?”
  • “Is this the last one?”

Discussing Price

  • “That’s quite reasonable.”
  • “I’m afraid that’s over my budget.”
  • “Could you give me a better price?”

Polite Expressions 🤝

Making Requests

  • “Would you mind showing me…”
  • “Could you please tell me…”
  • “I was wondering if…”

Shopping Idioms 💡

Common Shopping Idioms

  • “Shop till you drop”
  • “Bang for your buck”
  • “Window shopping”

Price Discussions 💰

Bargaining Phrases

  • “Is that your best price?”
  • “Could you come down a bit?”
  • “What’s your lowest price?”

Responding to Prices

  • “That’s a bit steep.”
  • “That’s quite reasonable.”
  • “I’ll have to think about it.”

Summary 🎁

Key Points to Remember

  1. Learn basic shopping vocabulary
  2. Practice polite request forms
  3. Master price discussion phrases

Remember to use appropriate politeness levels when shopping! These phrases will help you communicate effectively in stores and markets.

Happy shopping in English! 🛍️




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