How to Shop in English

Your questions: Ask a cashier or salesperson

 Excuse me…how much is…?

 What does …. cost?
 How much is the tax?
 Is “this” on sale?
 What is the price after the discount?
 What’s the total?
 How much do I owe you?
 Do you take/accept cash? (OR credit card, debit, cheques)
 Is this new or used?
 May I try this on?
 Do you have “this” in…? (a different size: extra small, small, medium, large,
extra large)
 Can you tell me where the … are? (apples, coats)
 Can I return this if I need to?

Your problems: Tell a clerk or salesperson

 I’m afraid, you gave me the wrong change. (incorrect money back after you
make a purchase)
 It doesn’t fit.
 It’s the wrong size.
 I need to return this. OR I need to take this back.
 I lost my receipt. (paper that shows proof of purchase)
 Excuse me, I can’t find the … (ladies clothing, men’s wear, toy section)

Special Offers and Deals: Watch for these signs and ads

 Buy one get one free

 Buy one get 50% off your second item
 Buy now pay later
 Pay no money down (no down payment is required)
 Kids eat free (usually with the purchase of an adult meal)
 Senior’s discount (people 65 and older get a reduced price)
 All out-of season stock on sale (ex. summer clothing is on sale at the end of
summer)

Restrictions: Watch for these Warnings (sometimes in small print)

 Deposit required (you must pay a small amount to hold the item)
 No delivery
 No exchanges or refunds (you can’t bring an item back if you decide you don’t
like it)
 Exchange only (you can’t get money back; you can change for a different in-
store item)
 No coupons on/during/after… (often on a certain day or at a certain time)
 Discount or coupon not valid with other special offers
 Expires … (date you can no longer use coupon or item
How to Say Thank You
Don’t be shy! Say “thank you” to someone every day.

Here are some more ways to say “thank you” in English:

Thank you so much.

Thanks a bunch.
That’s perfect.
You’re too kind.
You’re the best.
You’re my saviour.
You’re an angel.
What would I do without you?
I owe you one.
I don’t know what to say. (Use if “thank you” seems too small.)
Thank you is not enough.
I really appreciate this/what you’ve done.
I can’t thank you enough.

Sometimes you need to say “no” in a polite way:

No thank you.
No thanks.
Thanks anyway.
Thank you, but I’m not interested.
Not today, thank you.
At the Restaurant
Questions your server may ask:

 Do you have a reservation? (Did you call ahead of time?)

 How many? (How many seats do you need?)
 Table for two?
 Are you ready to order?
 Do you need some more time?
 Can I start you off with a drink?
 Would you like to hear the specials?
 What can I get for you? (Place your order.)
 What would you like with that? (Choose your side dish)
 Would you like an appetizer to start?
 How is everything? (Does it taste good?)
 Can I get you anything else? (Are you ready for the bill?)
 Did you enjoy everything?
 Did you save room for dessert? (Would you like dessert?)

Questions you may need to ask:

 May I see the menu/dessert menu/wine list?

 What do you recommend?
 Is it spicy?
 Is it enough to share?
 Can I have it without…(butter)?
 Can I substitute the …(chicken) for … (beef)?
 Can I get this to-go?
 Can we get the bill, please?
 Can I have a refill, please?

[Scroll up to play Restaurant English-Part 2]

Showing Gratitude:

 Thank you it was delicious.

 I really enjoyed it.
 I’m full, thank you.
 Thank you for the recommendation.
 We’ll come again.
 I’m afraid I didn’t save any room for dessert.
Concerns and complaints:
To get a server’s attention, make eye contact with him or her. Say “excuse me”
when she is nearby (wait until she is finished talking with other guests). Smile
and explain your problem or concern. Here are some concerns you may have:

 We’ve been waiting quite a while.

 Would you mind heating this up?
 This isn’t what I ordered.
 This tastes a bit off. (It doesn’t taste right.)
 You gave us the wrong bill.

Words that mean the same thing in a restaurant:

 server/waiter (male)/waitress (female)

 the bill/the receipt/the check
 appetizer/starter
 entree/main event/dinner
 to-go/take-out/doggie-bag/leftovers
 hot/spicy
 beverage/drink
 right this way/follow me/your table is ready
Invitations and Presents
How to accept an invitation:
I’d love to come, thank you.
That sounds fun!
Sure. That’s very kind of you to think of me.

How to decline an invitation:

I’d love to, but I’m afraid I’m busy.
I’m sorry; I won’t be able to make it.
I wish I could, but I’m ….(your excuse)

How to accept a gift:

Thank you.
Oh, you shouldn’t have.
That was awfully kind of you.
You’re so sweet.

How to offer a gift:

It’s just a little something.
Here’s something for under your tree.
I hope you like it.
Don’t open this until Christmas. OR You can open it now if you’d like.