Boost Your Shopping English: Must-Know Vocabulary and Real-Life Practice

In today’s globalized world, knowledge of English is becoming not just an advantage, but a necessity, especially when it comes to shopping in different countries. According to the World Tourism Organization, over 1.4 billion international trips are made annually, and a significant portion of tourists engage in shopping. Mastering specialized vocabulary allows you not only to better understand the shopping process but also to communicate effectively with salespeople and other customers. In this article, we will explore key terms and expressions that are frequently used while shopping, which will prepare you for making purchases in any part of the world. We also provide an exercise to help you better assimilate the material.

This introduction sets a good tone for the article, highlighting the importance of English in shopping contexts and providing a brief overview of what readers can expect. It also mentions the inclusion of an exercise, which adds value for learners.

Exercise – GOING SHOPPING

Read the text about shopping and fill in the missing words that best fit from this list:

1. peg, label, bill, fit
2. list, receipt, bill, label
3. paper, receipt, tag, bill
4. go, adapt, tag, fit
5. try on, try in, try on, try out
6. cashier, assistant, worker, bargain
7. assistant, cashier, worker, bargain
8. cash, refund, order, sales
9. till, wallet, bag, case
10. receipt, paper, label, tag
11. refund, repay, exchange, label
12. repay, refund, order, sale
13. agree, bargain, argue, discount
14. refund, bargain, exchange, sales
15. cash, shop, mail, sales

Time's up

Basic words that everyone should know for shopping

• Peg [pɛɡ]
  • Explanation: A peg is a small item or clip used to secure clothing on a hanger.
  • Example: “He used a peg to hang his hat.”
• Bill [bɪl]
  • Explanation: A bill is a document showing the amount due for purchases.
  • Example: “Please pay the bill for the groceries at the cash register.”
• Adapt [əˈdæpt]
  • Explanation: To adapt means to change something so that it fits or suits specific needs.
  • Example: “I adapted my wardrobe to the new weather conditions.”
• Cash [kæʃ]
  • Explanation: Cash refers to physical money or coins.
  • Example: “I paid for the purchases in cash.”
• Wallet [ˈwɒlɪt]
  • Explanation: A wallet is a small flat case, often made of leather, used for carrying money and cards.
  • Example: “He kept his credit cards and cash in his wallet.”
• Try on [traɪ ɒn]
  • Explanation: To try on something means to put it on to see how it looks or fits.
  • Example: “She tried on several dresses before choosing one.”
• Assistant [əˈsɪstənt]
  • Explanation: An assistant is a person who helps customers in a store.
  • Example: “The assistant showed me where the shoes were located.”
• Cashier [ˈkæʃɪər]
  • Explanation: A cashier is a person who handles payments and transactions in a store.
  • Example: “The cashier scanned the items and counted the total.”
• Order [ˈɔːrdər]
  • Explanation: To order is to request goods or services for delivery or provision.
  • Example: “I ordered a new book online yesterday.”
• Case [keɪs]
  • Explanation: A case is a container used for carrying or storing items, often made of plastic, leather, or fabric.
  • Example: “He bought a new case for his laptop.”
• Exchange [ɪksˈtʃeɪndʒ]
  • Explanation: To exchange means to give something back in a store for something else, often of equal value.
  • Example: “She exchanged the shoes for a larger size.”
• Discount [ˈdɪskaʊnt]
  • Explanation: A discount is a reduction in price.
  • Example: “They offered a 20% discount on all jeans.”
• Mail [meɪl]
  • Explanation: Mail refers to letters and packages sent through postal services.
  • Example: “She ordered a book online and received it by mail.”
• Bargain [ˈbɑːrɡɪn]
  • Explanation: A bargain is a deal or discount on a product or service.
  • Example: “They gave me a good bargain on these shoes.”
• Sales [seɪlz]
  • Explanation: Sales refer to the period when items are sold at reduced prices.
  • Example: “During the sales, you can buy items at a great discount.”
• Refund [ˈriːfʌnd]
  • Explanation: A refund is the amount of money returned to a customer for returned or faulty goods.
  • Example: “They refunded me for the faulty microwave.”
• Label [ˈleɪbəl]
  • Explanation: A label is a small piece of paper or plastic attached to an item to show its price, size, or other details.
  • Example: “Check the label inside the shirt for washing instructions.”
• Till [tɪl]
  • Explanation: A till is a cash register or the place where money is kept in a store.
  • Example: “The cashier scanned my items and then opened the till to give change.”
• Receipt [rɪˈsiːt]
  • Explanation: A receipt is a document confirming payment or purchase.
  • Example: “Don’t forget to keep the receipt in case you need to return the item.”
• Fit [fɪt]
  • Explanation: To fit means that clothing is the right size or looks good on you.
  • Example: “This dress fits well and looks great.”

Useful phrases for communicating with sellers

1. “Excuse me, where can I find…?”
2. “Do you have this in a different size/color?”
3. “Can I try this on?”
4. “How much does this cost?”
5. “Is this on sale?” –
6. “Do you offer a discount?”
7. “Can you help me with this?”
8. “I’m looking for something similar to this, but cheaper.”
9. “Does this item come with a warranty?”
10. “Can you tell me more about this product?”
11. “Do you have anything in my price range?”
12. “Is there a restocking fee if I need to return this?”
13. “Can you hold this for me until tomorrow?”
14. “Do you offer alterations?”
15. “Is this the latest model?”
16. “Do you have a loyalty program?”
17. “Can I get a gift receipt?”
18. “Do you ship internationally?”
19. “What’s your return policy?”
20. “Can you recommend something that goes well with this?”

More phrases and words about shopping to learn in the article:  Basic phrases and words about shopping in English