The Situation
You are in a supermarket or a clothes shop. You can't find something, or you need a different size. A shop assistant (a worker in the shop) can help you — you just need a few simple questions.
Key Phrases
Starting
| Assistant | You |
|---|---|
| Can I help you? / Are you finding everything OK? | Yes, please. I'm looking for... |
| No, thanks. I'm just looking. |
Finding things
- Excuse me, where is the milk?
- Where can I find shampoo?
- Do you have rice?
- It's in aisle 5. (an aisle is a row in a supermarket)
- It's next to the bread. / It's at the back. / It's on the left.
Size, colour and price
- Do you have this in a medium? (sizes: small, medium, large)
- Do you have this in blue?
- Can I try it on? — Sure, the fitting room is over there.
- How much is this? (one thing, close) / How much are these? (more than one)
- It's too big / too small.
- It fits! (the size is right)
At the checkout
| Cashier | You |
|---|---|
| Do you need a bag? | Yes, please. / No, thanks, I have one. |
| Do you have a points card? | No, I don't. |
| Debit or credit? | Debit. |
| Would you like the receipt? | Yes, please. |
Dialogue 1: In a Supermarket
Nadia: Excuse me, where can I find eggs? Assistant: They're in aisle 3, next to the milk. Nadia: Thank you. And do you have brown rice? Assistant: Yes, it's in aisle 7, on the left. Nadia: Great, thanks!
Dialogue 2: In a Clothes Shop
Assistant: Hi, can I help you? Omar: Yes, please. Do you have this shirt in a large? Assistant: Let me check... Yes, here you go. Omar: Can I try it on? Assistant: Sure, the fitting room is at the back. (later) Omar: It fits! How much is it? Assistant: It's $35. Omar: OK, I'll take it.
Dialogue 3: Just Looking
Assistant: Hello! Are you finding everything OK? Mei: Yes, thanks. I'm just looking. Assistant: No problem. Let me know if you need anything. Mei: Thank you!
Tips
- "I'm just looking" is polite. The assistant will not be offended.
- "I'll take it" means I will buy it.
- In Canada, the price on the label often does not include tax. The price at the checkout will be a little higher.
Common Mistakes
- "Where is milk?" → Where is the milk?
- "How much cost this?" → How much is this?
- "It's very big for me." → It's too big. (too = more than you want)
- "Can I try on it?" → Can I try it on?
Your Turn: Practise Speaking
- Ask where to find three things in a supermarket: bread, apples, soap.
- Ask for a T-shirt in a different size and colour.
- Say I'm just looking and I'll take it in a friendly voice.