Why These Ten Phrases?
When you walk into a shop where people speak English, you do not need a lot of vocabulary. You need a few short, correct phrases that you can say with confidence. This article gives you ten A1 phrases. Each one has a meaning, two example sentences and a usage note or a common mistake.
A tip before you start: do not only memorise the words. Read the two examples, then change one word, such as the thing you are buying. In this way each phrase becomes a pattern that you can use anywhere.
Phrases for Asking and Looking
You use these four phrases before you decide to buy.
1. How much is this?
Meaning: you ask the price of one thing. Examples: Excuse me, how much is this? / How much is this blue shirt? Note: for plural things say How much are these? For example: How much are these shoes? A common mistake is to leave out the verb: How much this? The correct form is How much is this?
2. I’m just looking, thanks.
Meaning: you do not need help now. Examples: Hello, can I help you? — I’m just looking, thanks. / I’m just looking, but I’ll ask if I need help. Note: this is polite, not rude. Shop assistants hear it all the time. Keep the word thanks, because it makes the sentence friendlier.
3. Can I try this on?
Meaning: you want to check a piece of clothing or a pair of shoes. Examples: Can I try this jacket on? / Can I try these shoes on? Note: try on is a two-word verb. When you use a pronoun, put it in the middle: Can I try it on? / Can I try them on? Do not say try on it. You can then ask: Where is the fitting room?
4. Do you have a smaller size?
Meaning: the size is wrong and you want another one. Examples: Do you have a smaller size? / Do you have this in black? Note: change smaller to bigger when you need a larger size. The pattern Do you have this in … asks for another colour or size of the same item. A common mistake is Do you have smaller? Say the full phrase: a smaller size.
Phrases for Deciding and Paying
When you find what you want, you need these phrases.
5. I’ll take it.
Meaning: you have decided to buy. Examples: It fits well. I’ll take it. / These are nice. I’ll take them. Note: use it for one thing and them for more than one. This phrase is very natural in shops. You do not need to say I want to buy it every time.
6. Where do I pay?
Meaning: you ask where the payment point is. Examples: Excuse me, where do I pay? / Where do I pay for this? Note: the answer is often At the till in British English, or At the register or At the checkout in American English. A common mistake is Where is pay? The correct form is Where do I pay?
7. Can I pay by card?
Meaning: you want to pay with a bank card. Examples: Can I pay by card? / Can I pay by card or do you only take cash? Note: we say by card but in cash. If you want to use cash, say Can I pay in cash? Do not say pay card without the preposition.
8. Can I have a bag, please?
Meaning: you ask for a bag for your things. Examples: Can I have a bag, please? / Can I have two bags, please? Note: British speakers often say carrier bag, while Americans simply say bag. Some shops may ask you to pay for a bag, so do not be surprised. Do not forget a before bag.
Phrases for After Paying and for Offers
9. Can I have a receipt, please?
Meaning: you ask for the paper that shows what you paid. Examples: Can I have a receipt, please? / Can I have the receipt for this shirt, please? Note: the word is said rih-SEET, and the p is silent. A receipt is useful if you want to return the item later.
10. Is there a discount?
Meaning: you ask if the price can be lower in this case. Examples: Is there a discount on this? / Is there a discount if I buy two? Note: a discount is a lower price. In British English people also say offer. Ask calmly and politely, and accept the answer if it is no.
A Short Shopping Dialogue
Read this dialogue aloud, once as the customer and once as the assistant.
- Assistant: Hello, can I help you?
- You: I’m just looking, thanks.
- You: Excuse me, can I try this on?
- Assistant: Yes, the fitting room is over there.
- You: It’s a bit big. Do you have a smaller size?
- Assistant: Yes, here you are.
- You: It fits. I’ll take it. Where do I pay?
- Assistant: At the till.
- You: Can I pay by card?
- Assistant: Yes, of course.
- You: Can I have a bag, please? And can I have a receipt, please?
Common Mistakes for Arabic Speakers
In Arabic, a question like how much is this can be asked without a verb. Many learners carry this shape into English, but English questions usually need a verb. Prepositions are also different from Arabic. Compare:
| Mistake | Correct |
|---|---|
| How much this? | How much is this? |
| Can I try on it? | Can I try it on? |
| Do you have smaller? | Do you have a smaller size? |
| Where is pay? | Where do I pay? |
| Can I pay card? | Can I pay by card? |
| Can I have bag? | Can I have a bag, please? |
Small Words That Make You Polite
The words please and thanks are easy to add, and they change the tone of a sentence. Say Excuse me before you ask the assistant, so you get their attention. Say Thank you when they help you. In English shops, simple and polite is better than long and complicated. About British and American usage: British speakers often say shop and Americans often say store, but both are understood everywhere.
How to Practise
- Read the ten phrases aloud three times.
- Choose three things at home and change the sentence: How much is this lamp? How much are these keys?
- Act out the short dialogue with a friend or in front of a mirror.
- Write the phrases on small cards and review them before you travel or shop.
If ten feels like too many, start with five and add the rest later. A few minutes every day works better than one long session.