How to Go Shopping in English?
by Полина Зыбина
1. How to ask for something in English, and the replies you might recieve?
1.1. Approach an assistant: Excuse me, do you sell (washing up liquid)? or Excuse me, I am looking for (washing up liquid).
1.2. If the shop is large, such as a supermarket, and they do sell it, these are some of the words you may hear in response:
1.2.1. * Aisle - (Example: ‘It’s in Aisle 12.’). * Counter * Department * Display * Window Display
2. Phrases an Assistant or Sales Person Might Use
2.1. Can I help you? or Are you looking for something in particular? are the sort of phrases they will use. They are hoping to start a conversation that will lead to a sale.
2.2. If you would like help, then the sort of responses you can give are: Yes please, I am looking for… or Yes please, how much are…? (if you wish to know the cost of an item).
2.3. If you do not want their help, then a polite way of sending them away is to say: I’m fine thanks, just browsing. Some sales people find it hard to give up a chance of a sale.
2.4. Another phrase that can be used to send them away is: I’m only looking today.
3. Conversation Endings
3.1. We sell a lot of these. A good choice. Is this a present for someone?
3.2. Once your purchases are complete, there are a number of questions that you may be asked.
3.2.1. * Would you like a bag? – * Would you like a receipt? –
3.3. Most conversation endings, though, are just made up of a polite remark.
3.3.1. Take care. Hope you have a good day. See you later. Which doesn’t necessarily mean that they will! Thanks, Thank you or Goodbye.
4. Types of Shops in English.
4.1. Bakers – a shop selling bread and cakes.
4.2. Butchers – a shop selling meat.
4.3. Charity Shop – A shop selling usually second-hand goods (ones that have been owned before) such as clothes, books, ornaments and toys, where the money raised goes to charity.
4.4. Chemist – a shop selling medicines and toiletries (such as soap and shampoo).
4.5. Boutique – A shop selling fashionable items, usually clothes.
4.6. Corner shop – a small, local shop, that sells food and often a range of other useful goods.
4.7. Deli – a shop that sells foods, often from other countries, that are often not found in supermarkets.
4.8. Dairy – a shop selling milk products.
4.9. Cash and Carry – A shop like a supermarket, where items are cheaper, although the range will be less. You normally have to become a ‘member’ to use a cash and carry.
4.10. Department Store – A large shop, usually in a town or city centre, selling a wide range of goods, from electrical to clothing to toys.
4.11. Drycleaners – a shop to clean suits, dresses and items you cannot wash at home.
4.12. Grocers – a shop, usually small, selling food and household goods.
4.13. Greengrocers – a small shop selling fresh fruit and vegetables.
4.14. Hardware Shop – A shop selling goods we use in the home, such as washing up bowls, hammers and nails and often cleaning products.
4.15. Off Licence – A small store selling alcohol and soft drinks.
4.16. Newsagents – A shop selling newspapers, cards and stationery goods such as pens and pencils.
4.17. Supermarket – A large shop selling a wide range of goods. Mostly foodstuff and household goods; many larger stores also sell clothes and electrical goods.
5. Online Shopping
5.1. There is a picture of the product you want to buy, and the process of buying is usually simple to follow.
6. Your rights
6.1. If you do have a problem with something you buy, you should take it back to the shop from which you purchased it. Bigger stores will have a returns or customer service desk.
6.1.1. Excuse me, the kettle I purchased doesn’t work. Excuse me, this shirt has a tear in it. Excuse me, I bought these shoes a week ago and the bottom (or sole) is coming off.