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SHOPPING Phrases, Dialogs and Phrasal Verbs!

 

Here is what you will find in this article. Click on any topic you want to read more about!

1. Shopping Vocabulary
2. Finding the right store / shop
3. Opening times
4. Selecting goods
5. Making Payment
6. Returns and complaints
7. Things written on signs
8. Using a credit card
9. Prices and numbers
10. Making comparisons
11. Different ways of asking someone to SHOW you something
12. When you want to TRY something
13. If you’d like the shop assistant to give you a DIFFERENT SIZE OR COLOUR
14. When you finally decide what you want to BUY
15. Example conversations between a shop assistant, customer and cashier
16. Phrasal verbs related to shopping

 

Whether you love shopping, or just shop when you need to, you can practice your English at the same time!
Shopping is a great way to communicate with lots of different people, and it really helps to boost your confidence in speaking English!
You might hesitate or make mistakes to begin with, if you’re a bit nervous, but that’s completely normal. You may even find it hard to understand what the shop assistant is saying to you, if you don’t understand all the words!
If you familiarise yourself with the phrases and vocabulary in this blog, then you’ll know what you should expect to hear from the people you talk to on your shopping spree. It’ll make shopping a more enjoyable experience, and improve your English too!
The more you do it, the easier it will get, and the more natural it will feel!.
People:

• Customer
• Cashier / clerk
• Attendant / assistant
• Manager

Shopping:

• Wallet (male)
• Purse (female)
• Scale
• Till / Counter
• Barcode
• Receipt
• Gift receipt
• Aisle
• Shelf / shelves
• Trolley / s
• Basket / s
• Lift / s
• Escalator / s
• Bag / s
• Fitting rooms / changing rooms

Ways to Pay:

• Cheques
• Cash
• Notes
• Coins
• Card machine
• Chop and pin machine
• Credit cards / debit cards
• Loyalty card

Where to Buy:

• convenience store / general store / newsagents / department store / shop / store
• chemist / pharmacy
• toy shop / toy store
• book shop
• ladies clothing shop / boutique
• men’s clothing shop / tailor
• shoe shop / cobbler’s
• jeweller’s / jewellery store
• opticians / optometrists
• electrical store
• record shop
• ironmonger’s / ironmongery
• charity shop / second hand shop
• haberdasher’s / haberdashery
• shopping centre
• shopping mall / mall
• market
• florist / botanist
• butcher’s
• fishmonger’s / seafood store
• greengrocers / grocery store
• baker’s / bakery
• delicatessen
• grocer’s
• DIY store / home supply store
• hardware store
• off-licence
• post office
• supermarket
• gardening store / gardening centre

USEFUL PHRASES THAT A CLERK OR CUSTOMER MIGHT USE

1. Finding the right store / shop


Questions:

• Can you recommend a good toy shop/store?
• Is there a chemist / pharmacy in this area?
• Where can I get pet food from?
• Where is the nearest shopping centre?
• Could you direct me to the nearest post office please?
• Do you know where the nearest hardware store is?

Responses:

• There is a really good book shop just around the corner.
• You can buy that here in the hotel.
• The nearest one is a few mile away.
• The best toy shop is in the shopping centre.
• The post office isn’t open on Sundays.
• The convenience store on the corner might sell that.
• 2. Opening times 
  Questions:
  
• What time are you open until?
• What time do you close today?
• Are you open on the weekends?
• Are you open all day?
• What are your opening hours?
• Are you open on Sundays?
• Are you open every day during the week?
• What time do you open tomorrow?

Responses:

• We’re open from 9am to 6pm.
• We’re open on weekdays only (Monday to Friday).
• We’re open from 10am to 8pm.
• We’re open 7 days a week.
• We’re open 24/7 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).
• We’re closed at lunchtime, between 12pm and 2pm.
• We’re closed on Bank Holidays (national holidays).
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• 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? 
• 
  
• 
  Clerk’s / Assistant’s Responses:
  
• I’m afraid that’s the only colour we have.
• Sorry, we don’t have any more in stock.
• Sorry, we don’t sell those / them here.
• I’m afraid we don’t have any more left.
• I have exactly what you’re looking for.
• This one is on sale right now!
• It comes with a manufacturer’s warranty.
• It comes with a 1-year guarantee.
• The changing / fitting rooms are that way.
• The scales are by the counter over there. That’s where you can weigh your groceries.
• That one is ….(price).
• They’re ….(price) each.
• You can get a refund if you keep the receipt safe, and bring it back within 2 weeks.
•  
• 4. 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!
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•  
• 5. 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.

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55 Most Commonly Used British and American Slang Words and Their Meanings!!!

It is probably one of the hardest aspects of the English language to learn, because there are so many variations in each small town, let alone in different English-speaking countries!
People use slang to sound less formal. Slang is mainly used because it relaxes the mouth, and allows people to speak in a more comfortable way. It is a lot easier to use slang than ‘perfect English’, which is probably why it’s so common!

1. UNREAL

Something that is unbelievably cool or brilliant

I love this party, it’s just unreal!

2. PROPS

This means respect, recognition

I know he failed the test, but you’ve got to give him props for trying.

3. KUDOS

Another word for respect, recognition

Kudos for organising this party. It’s brilliant!

4. BOTTOM LINE

The main point

The bottom line is we just don’t have enough money to make it work.

5. DISS

When a person disrespects someone else

Stop dissing her behind her back. Show some respect!

6. DIG

To really like something

Hey, I dig your new style. Where did you buy that T-shirt?

7. BOB’S YOUR UNCLE

This is a well-used phrase in the UK. It is added to the end of sentences, and means something like and that’s it!

• How did you make this cake? It’s delicious!
• Well, I just mixed in the batter thoroughly, poured it into a cake pan, baked it for 30 minutes and Bob’s your uncle!

8. BUDGE UP

When you ask someone to move and make space for you

 I want to sit down too, could you budge up a little please?

9. ACE

This has two meanings, something that is awesome, really cool
Or to achieve something with perfection, really easily 

– Ace! I just got a promotion at work!
– Robert aced his physics exam!

10. ALL RIGHT?

This means ‘hello, how are you?’

• All right?
• Good thanks, you all right?

11. FULL OF BEANS

This means to have loads of energy

All the children were full of beans at the party today. I couldn’t get any of them to sit still!

12. BLATANT

Something that is really obvious

She’s blatantly very annoyed, everyone can see it apart from you.

13. PEAR SHAPED

This means something has become a disaster

I was trying to organise a surprise birthday party for her, but it’s all gone pear shaped!

14. PIECE OF CAKE

When someone is boasting or they think something is extremely easy to do, they would use this

• What did you think of the exam? I thought it was really difficult.
• No, it was a piece of cake!

15. BLIMEY

This is an exclamation of surprise

Blimey, look at all this mess here! I’d only left the house for an hour, and look what you’ve done!

16. BOTCH

There are two ways of using this expression –‘to botch something up’ or ‘to do a botch job’. They both mean that the work done was not of a high standard, or was clumsy workmanship

The builder did a terrible job on the roof. He just botched it up, and it still leaks every time it rains!

17. CHEERS

Used when drinking with friends to salute or make a toast (raise your glasses and clink them together)

Cheers everyone! Happy birthday to John!

18. SMASHING

This means something is terrific, brilliant

I had a smashing time on holiday, it was so much fun!

19. SOD’S LAW

This is another name for Murphy’s Law – whatever can go wrong, will go wrong

• I wore my pretty new dress, because it was a sunny day, but as soon as I stepped out of the house, it started raining, and I got completely soaked!
• Sod’s Law!

20. CHIN WAG

This means having a nice, long chat with someone. You can probably tell why!

I saw Mary after such a long time yesterday! We had a lovely chin wag together, like the good old days.

21. CHUFFED

Used when someone is really pleased about something

My mum bought me a fantastic car when I passed my driving test. I was chuffed to bits!

22. CRAM

This means to study hard in a very short period of time

I was so busy with my family before the exam, that I only had three days to cram in all the revision work!

23. NICE ONE

Can be used when someone does something particularly impressive

• I published my first book last year, and I’ve already started working on the sequel!
• Nice one! You’re doing really well.

24. CRIKEY

An exclamation of surprise

• I went shopping today! (comes in with lots of bags)
• Crikey! Have you spent all of our savings??!!

25. DEAR

Something that is expensive 

I avoid going shopping into the town centre nowadays, everything is so dear!

26. FAFF

This is when someone procrastinates, or wastes time wondering around

Come on we have to go now. Stop faffing around, we’re going to be late!

27. DO

Another word for a party

Are you going to Lizzie’s birthday do next week? 

28. FLOG

To sell something

I managed to flog my car for a really good price!

29. FORTNIGHT

Two weeks. This comes from an abbreviation of ‘fourteen nights’

I’ve been really ill for the past fortnight, and still haven’t recovered.

30. GOBSMACKED

This means amazed (your gob is your mouth, and if you smack your gob, it would be out of amazement!)

I can’t believe I passed that exam! I thought I was going to fail, I’m completely gobsmacked!

31. SPLASH OUT

When you spend far too much money                                

I wanted to give Sarah a special treat for her birthday, so I splashed out on a very romantic weekend away.

32. GRUB / NOSH

Both these words mean food                                                                                                    

I’m going to get some grub for myself from the local takeaway. Do you want anything?

33. BEE’S KNEES

Something or someone fabulous, spectacular

– You should see my new sound-system, it’s the bee’s knees!– I don’t like Harvey very much, he thinks he’s the bee’s knees!

34. GUTTED

When someone is really upset or disappointed

I’m so gutted I failed my driving test, again!

35. PEANUTS

When something is cheap, financially low

– I hate my job. I have to work such long hours, and I get paid peanuts.– You should buy your clothes on-line. You can find some great designs for peanuts! 

36. HAGGLE

To argue over, and try to negotiate the price of something you want to buy

– The last time I went shopping with my mum, she was haggling for something that was already really cheap!
– I managed to haggle the price of this shirt down by 25%!

37. JOLLY

You might hear people use this in all sorts of ways, but basically it means ‘very’. So “jolly good” would mean ‘very good’

• Don’t worry, I will pay you back before the end of this month.
• I should jolly well think so!

38. THROW A SPANNER IN THE WORKS

This is an expression that means to wreck something

I managed to keep the surprise a secret, right up until the day before my sister’s birthday, then he threw a spanner in the works by telling her!

39. KIP 

A short sleep, forty winks, a nap, a power nap, or a snooze.

Why don’t you try and have a kip before everyone gets here? You won’t have time to rest later.

40. WIND UP

This has a couple of meanings. If something you do is a ‘wind up’ it means you are making fun of someone – you could be called a wind-up merchant if you do this.
However, if you are ‘wound up’ it means you are annoyed.

– John really is a wind-up merchant, but the girl he was picking on was so gullible!
– I was just winding her up for fun, but she took offence to it and got really angry!

41. MATE

This means friend, chum, pal, or buddy.

I’m going to the cinema with my mates tonight.

42. NOT MY CUP OF TEA

This is a common saying which means that something is not to your liking.

I don’t really like this sort of music. It’s just not my cup of tea.

43. PORKIES

This means telling lies. It comes from cockney rhyming slang. Short for ‘porky pies’, meaning ‘pork pies’, which rhymes with lies!

Don’t listen to her, she’s telling porkies!

44. ROW

This means an argument (rhymes with ‘cow’)

My brother had a huge row with his girlfriend yesterday. He’s really upset!

45. DONKEY’S YEARS

If someone says ‘I haven’t seen you in donkey’s years’, it means they haven’t seen you for a very long time!

Hi Sarah! What a surprise to see you here. I haven’t seen you in donkey’s years! How have you been?

46. EASY PEASY

A childish term for something very easy

I could make that for you, if you like? It’s easy peasy!

47. SORTED

When someone asks you about a problem you have already fixed, you could say this.
You can also say “get it sorted”, when you are telling someone to get on with something they have to do.

• What’s happening about that roof leak then?
• Oh that’s sorted now. I found a really good builder to do the job.

48. STROP

If someone is sulking or being particularly miserable, you would say they are ‘being stroppy’, or ‘throwing a strop’

Janet would you please cheer up? It’s your birthday, don’t be so stroppy!

49. CHEERIO

This is a friendly way of saying goodbye

Right, I have to go now, see you soon. Cheerio!

50. WANGLE

This is used to say some people have all the luck

I can’t believe he managed to wangle an upgrade on their airline seats, AND the honeymoon suite in their hotel!

51. BLINDING

If something is a blinding success, it means it was awesome, brilliant

They had a blinding party after their wedding ceremony. Everyone had such a great time!

52. WONKY

If something is shaky or unstable, you might say it is wonky.

I can’t eat my dinner at this table. It’s wonky and won’t stop wobbling!

53. ZONKED

If someone is zonked or ‘zonked out’ it means they are totally knackered, or exhausted

He had a lot of fun at his birthday party earlier, but he’s completely zonked out now!

54. DODGY

If someone or something is a bit dodgy, it is not to be trusted.

I saw a few dodgy-looking people standing around along that quiet street near our house, so just to be on the safe side, I notified the police.
This food looks a bit dodgy, it might have passed its expiry date. I don’t think we should eat it.

55. LEG IT

This is a way of saying ‘run’ or ‘run for it’

I went out on Halloween night, and someone jumped out from behind a bush to scare me. I was so frightened, that I just legged it all the way back home!

 

42 Easy to Memorize English Idioms Related to School and Education

English Idioms Related to School and Education

1. PUT / GET YOUR THINKING CAP ONTo engage your mind and think in a serious manner.

• Right, we need to figure out how we’re going to solve this problem before mum and dad get back, so let’s put our thinking caps on!

2. DRAW A BLANK
To get no response from someone when they are asked a question.

• I asked him about his plans for Christmas, but I just drew a blank. He didn’t seem to understand what I was asking him!

3. BACK TO BASICS
An approach that uses traditional ideas and methods which have been successful in the past.

• They seem to prefer having everything back to basics in their office. They have minimal use of advanced technology, but apparently find everything simpler and easier to manage.

4. AS EASY AS ABC
Something that is very simple or easy.

• That jigsaw puzzle is as easy as ABC, I don’t understand why you’ve been struggling with it for so long.
• 5. COPYCAT
  Used to describe someone who copies another person’s work.
  
• I don’t like talking to her about my wedding plans because she’s such a copycat! I know she’ll steal my ideas and use them for her own wedding.

6. COVER A LOT OF GROUND
When a lot of work needs to be completed. If there is a lot of research to be done, or material to get through.

• Our team have done so well over the past two weeks, we’ve managed to cover so much ground that I feel this programmer9. DROP OUT OF SCHOOL (phrasal verb) / DROPOUT (noun)
  To stop attending school completely (leave without graduating).
  
• She dropped out of school at the age of 14 to help her sick grandmother at home, but now she runs her own successful nursing home for the elderly!
• He’s a dropout, I can’t see him being anything successful with his current reputation.

10. SHOW OF HANDS
Raising hands to vote about something.
With a show of hands, who would prefer to have longer working days but a shorter working week

• may be ready by the end of this month!
• We have to complete our research within the next month. We still have a lot of ground to cover, and I fear we may not get everything done in time.

7. COUNT NOSES
To count the number of people around you (generally used on a school trip, to check for missing students).

• My grandmother was constantly counting noses at the birthday party. I think she felt responsible for all the children there!

8. EAGER BEAVER
Someone who works hard and is very enthusiastic.

• Mary is such an eager beaver, she always the first one to do whatever the boss asks. I think she’s hoping for a promotion!
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11. LEARN (SOMETHING) BY HEART / OFF BY HEART
To memorise something so well, that it can be written or recited without thinking.

• I can’t believe you learnt the whole Macbeth play by heart! Well done!
• She learnt all the compositions by Beethoven off by heart!
• 13. FROM THE OLD SCHOOL / OF THE OLD SCHOOL
  Holding attitudes or ideas that were popular and important in the past, but which are no longer considered relevant or in-line with modern trends.
  
• She was a teacher of the old school and believed in strict discipline.
• My grandmother is from the old school, she made her children make their own lunches and walk to school.

14. THE SCHOOL OF HARD KNOCKS
Learning through difficult experiences in life, as opposed to a formal, classroom education.

• I wasn’t able to go to college, but I learnt a lot in the school of hard knocks, it taught me a lot about life.

15. A FOR EFFORT
Giving someone recognition for trying hard to do something even though they may not be successful.

• Jenny definitely deserves an A for effort, she put so much work into her entry for the competition.

16. SCHOOL SOMEONE IN SOMETHING
To train, discipline or coach someone in something.

• She schooled her brother in patience.
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20 Quotes for Being Happy with What You Have!

    Being Happy with What You Have!

 . “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” – Dr Seuss

Dr Seuss, the famous children’s author encouraging us to look on the bright side and be positive! This could be applied to many situations, a breakup, the loss of a loved one, or perhaps leaving school or a job.
Whatever it is, if you can manage a smile then your day will become a bit brighter. Think about all the lovely memories and great moments that will never leave you. And if that fails, pick up one of Seuss’ books. You won’t be able to stop smiling!

2. “To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.” – Oscar Wilde
Another famous author! Oscar Wilde on whether people truly live their lives. Do you hate your job but continue to do it anyway? Do you want to travel but you’re afraid to leave home?
Mr Wilde is talking to you! Life is short so why not enjoy it? We are all very lucky to be alive and we should make the most of every single moment!

3.There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” – Albert Einstein

Albert Einstein, everybody’s favourite theoretical physicist. Smartphones weren’t around in Einstein’s times which is probably a good thing. Are you a technology addict? Would you choose the latest YouTube video over a conversation with a loved one in the same room?
Drop the smartphone! Let go of the tablet! Shut down the computer! (Not now, reading myenglishteacher.eu is acceptable. Albert said so.) But over the next few days, just look at the world around you. There are beautiful colours, beautiful animals and beautiful people right there next to you! If your eyes are constantly on a screen, you may be missing out…

4. “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.” – Allen Saunders
The multitalented Allen Saunders on how life cannot be mapped out. It doesn’t matter how much you try, you cannot truly plan life. You can live in a certain way and work towards certain goals but there will always be unexpected turns.
This can be a good thing! Wouldn’t it be boring if you knew everything that was going to happen in your life? You’d be expecting everything and so how would you be surprised or scared? How would you learn? In two words, you wouldn’t! It would be like reading the last page of a book before you have started it (not recommended!).
5. “Everything you can imagine is real.” – Pablo Picasso


If you have ever looked at a Picasso painting then you will know exactly what he is trying to say! Your imagination has the power to change the world! Using your imagination isn’t just for children.
Picasso himself used his imagination to create extremely popular art. He created this art regularly, each piece of work different from the next. Just think of how many authors, artists and entrepreneurs use their imaginations every day. Are you using your imagination on a regular basis?
If not, try to bring it back into your life. You will be surprised at the results! Life can be a lot brighter with just a little bit of imagination. The best part is, it’s easy! Just relax and imagine. Make Pablo proud.
 


 

 

Adverbs Of Frequency

What is an adverb of frequency?
Adverb of frequency is a word that tells us how frequently or how often something happens.

 

• I always eat breakfast in the morning, even when I am late for work.

1. List of the most common adverbs of frequency:

• always
• usually
• sometimes
• never
• occasionally
• rarely
• seldom
• frequently
• often
• regularly
• hardly ever

EXE: adverbs of frequency: always, usually, sometimes, never, occasionally, rarely, seldom, frequently.

2. Position in a sentence
a) We usually put the adverbs of frequency in the middle of the sentence, between the subject and the verb, but after auxiliary verbs:

• I often go to the beach.
• He sometimes visits his grandma.
• They usually drink coffee in the mornings.
• I hardly ever help my mom in the kitchen.

b) Auxiliary verbs:

• He is usually very happy.
• We are always helping the children at school.
• I have never done anything bad.
• She is always cooking pasta.

NOTE: the verbs have, has, and had are auxiliary verbs only when used with past participle:

• I have never eaten a snake.
• She has never tried coconut water.

But has, have, and had are normal verbs when they are not used with past participle:

• I always have my lunch at school.
• He seldom has English classes.
• We often had dinner late at night in college.
•  
• c) We can put occasionally, frequently, usually, often and sometimes in the beginning of the sentence in order to make it stronger. However, other adverbs do not sound good in the beginning of the sentence:
  
• Occasionally, I go to the beach.
• Sometimes he visits his grandma.
• Usually, they drink coffee in the mornings.
• Always I go to the beach. INCORRECT
• I always go to the beach.  CORRECT
• Often, I go to the beach. INCORRECT
• I often go to the beach. CORRECT

NOTE: the verbs do, does, and did are auxiliary verbs only when they are used in questions or negatives:

• Do you often go to the cinema?
• He doesn’t always eat grapes.

In other cases, do, does and did are normal verbs:

• She never sleeps at home.
• They rarely did their chores.

If the auxiliary verb is negative the adverb of frequency might go before or after it:

• He doesn’t usually cook at home.
• He usually doesn’t cook at home.
• They don’t often go to the cinema.
• They often don’t go to the cinema.

BUT:

• We aren’t always late for work.
• We always aren’t late for work. INCORRECT (say ‘We are never late for work’)

e) In the question, we put the adverbs of frequency before the main verb:

• Do you often go to the beach?
• Do you sometimes visit your grandma?

BUT:

• Is she always late for soccer practice?
• Are they usually so grumpy?

I hope you find this information useful.

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