What You'll Practise
- Ask for help: Tell the shop assistant what you're looking for.
- Ask about size and colour: Request a different size or ask what colours are available.
- Try it on: Ask where the fitting room is and get an opinion if needed.
- Ask about the price: Check the price, any discounts, or the return policy.
- Pay for the item: Choose your payment method and complete the purchase.
Dialogue Script
Key Phrases
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I ask for help finding an item in a shop?
Say "Excuse me, I'm looking for..." or "Could you help me find..." Shop assistants will usually point you in the right direction or bring the item to you.
How do I ask for a different size in English?
Say "Do you have this in a medium?" or "Could I try a size up/down?" Assistants will check the stock room if it isn't on the shelf.
Where do I try on clothes and what do I say?
Ask "Where are the fitting rooms?" and the assistant will show you or say "They're just over there." You can say "I'm just trying these on" if asked.
How do I ask about the price of something?
Say "How much is this?" or "How much does it cost?" If there's no price tag, an assistant can check for you at the till.
What do I say if I want to return an item?
Ask "What's your return policy?" before buying, or later say "I'd like to return this, please" along with your receipt.
How do I ask if something is on sale or discounted?
Say "Is this on sale?" or "Is there a discount on this?" Many shops have clearance sections or seasonal sales worth asking about.
What does the shop assistant mean by 'Are you being served?'
It's a polite way of asking if someone is already helping you. Reply "No, not yet" if you need assistance, or "Yes, thank you" if you're already being helped.
How do I pay for items in a shop in English?
At the till, you can say "Card or cash?" (from the cashier) and reply "Card, please" or "I'll pay in cash." You may also be asked "Would you like a receipt?"
How do I ask for a bag at checkout?
Simply say "Could I have a bag, please?" Note that many shops now charge a small fee for bags, so the cashier may ask first.
What phrases are useful for browsing without buying?
If an assistant offers help and you just want to look, say "I'm just browsing, thank you" or "I'm just looking, thanks." This is polite and clearly understood.