English for Shopping
Shopping in English is easier than you think. Whether you are in a small high-street shop, a large supermarket, or buying something online, you need just a handful of phrases to handle the whole experience. This guide teaches you the words and sentences you need — from walking through the door to getting a refund if something goes wrong.
Every phrase is written in simple English at CEFR A1 level with a full Arabic translation. Read through the sections in order or jump straight to the situation you need most. By the end of this guide, you will be able to shop confidently in any English-speaking country.
Entering a shop
When you enter a shop in the UK, a staff member may greet you. Do not worry — they are not asking you to buy something. They are being friendly. You can reply with a simple greeting and tell them what you are looking for. If you are just browsing, it is perfectly fine to say so.
Hello, can I help you?
Yes, I am looking for a shirt.
No, thank you. I am just looking.
Where are the shoes, please?
Asking about price and size
Before you buy something, you might want to know the price or find the right size. In British shops, prices are usually on the label, but sometimes you need to ask. Sizes can be confusing because the UK uses small, medium, and large — or numbers like 8, 10, 12 for clothes. Do not be shy about asking. Shop staff expect these questions.
How much is this?
Do you have this in a medium?
Is there a discount?
Can I try this on?
Where is the fitting room?
Paying at the till
When you are ready to buy, go to the till. The cashier will scan your items and tell you the total. In the UK most people pay by card — contactless payment is very common. If you want a receipt, you can ask for one. Since 2015 shops in the UK charge for plastic bags, so bring your own or be ready to pay a small fee.
I would like to pay, please.
Can I pay by card?
Do you need a bag?
Can I have a receipt, please?
Yes, please. / No, thank you.
In a supermarket
Supermarkets in the UK are usually self-service — you pick items from the shelves, put them in a basket or trolley, and pay at the till or at a self-checkout machine. If you cannot find something, ask a member of staff. They will point you to the right aisle. Self-checkout machines have clear screens with instructions in English, but if you get stuck, there is always a helper nearby.
Excuse me, where is the bread?
Which aisle is the milk in?
Do you have any offers today?
Can I use this self-checkout?
Online shopping
Many people in the UK buy things online. You might need to read product descriptions, choose a delivery date, or contact customer support if something is wrong. Knowing a few key phrases helps you understand emails from shops and track your order. If your item does not arrive, you can contact the shop and say “My order has not arrived. Can you help?”
When will my order arrive?
I would like to track my delivery.
Can I change my delivery address?
I want to cancel my order.
Returns and problems
Sometimes you need to return something or report a problem. In the UK you usually have 14 to 30 days to return an item if you have the receipt. Stay polite and explain what happened clearly. Shop staff will usually try to help you with an exchange or a refund. If you bought something online, you can often return it by post or take it to a local shop.
I would like to return this, please.
It does not fit.
This is broken. Can I get a refund?
I have the receipt here.
Can I exchange this for a different size?
Quick practice
Try to answer these in English before you look at the answers above.
- A shop assistant asks if you need help. You are just looking. What do you say?
- You want to know the price of a jacket. How do you ask?
- You want to pay with your credit card. What do you say?
- You cannot find the milk in the supermarket. How do you ask for help?
- A shirt is too small. You want to return it. What do you say?
Keep learning: English for the Airport, English for Travel, or Daily English Conversation.
See our article: The 5 sentences that save you in any shop in Britain.