English for All Your Shopping Needs in an English-Speaking Country

 

Shopping is part of everyday life. Whether you’re buying groceries, clothes, or household items, knowing the right English vocabulary and phrases can make your experience smoother and more enjoyable. From asking for the right size to understanding sales, good communication skills help you shop with confidence.

Essential Shopping Vocabulary

General Terms

  • Cashier – the person at the checkout counter.

  • Receipt – proof of your purchase.

  • Refund – money returned if you return an item.

  • Exchange – swapping one item for another.

  • Discount / Sale – lower price than usual.

  • Price tag – label that shows the cost.

  • Fitting room / Changing room – where you try on clothes.

  • Aisle – passage between rows of products (common in grocery stores).

Types of Stores

  • Supermarket / Grocery store – for food and household items.

  • Pharmacy / Drugstore – for medicine and health products.

  • Department store – for clothing, furniture, and more.

  • Convenience store – small store open late hours with basic items.

  • Mall – large shopping center with many stores.

Useful Phrases for Shopping

Asking for Help

  • “Excuse me, where can I find the milk?”

  • “Do you have this in a larger size?”

  • “Can you recommend something similar?”

At the Checkout

  • “Do you accept credit cards?”

  • “Can I pay with cash?”

  • “I’d like a receipt, please.”

  • “Do you have a loyalty card?”

Returns and Exchanges

  • “I’d like to return this item.”

  • “Can I exchange this for a different size?”

  • “This product is damaged—can I get a refund?”

Asking About Sales

  • “Is this on sale?”

  • “How much is the discount?”

  • “Do you have any promotions today?”

Shopping Situations You May Face

  1. Buying Groceries – “Where is the produce section?” / “I need a kilo of apples.”

  2. Clothing Store – “Do you have this shirt in medium?” / “Can I try this on?”

  3. Electronics Store – “Does this phone come with a warranty?”

  4. Pharmacy – “Do you have something for a headache?”

  5. Market – “How much is this?” / “Can you give me a better price?”

Tips for Shopping in English

  1. Learn polite expressions – “Excuse me,” “please,” and “thank you” are always useful.

  2. Pay attention to signs – many stores post sales and directions.

  3. Practice numbers and prices – so you can quickly understand costs.

  4. Role-play common situations – returning an item, asking for sizes, or checking out.

How I Can Help

Shopping doesn’t have to be stressful. With personalized online English lessons, I’ll help you practice real-life shopping conversations so you can confidently:

  • Ask for the items you need.

  • Understand prices, discounts, and refunds.

  • Communicate clearly with shop staff.

With the right practice, you’ll never feel lost in a store again!

Contact me today and let’s start building your confidence in everyday English.

Location: Ontario, Canada

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