English for Shopping: Asking About Sizes, Prices and Returns
Practise English for shopping with phrases for sizes, prices, trying clothes on and asking about returns, plus short dialogues and useful word choices.
Useful English for shopping starts with a clear request: “Do you have this in a medium?”, “How much is it?” or “Could I try it on?” Name the item or point to it politely, then ask one question at a time. You can check details before deciding to buy.
You do not have to speak continuously. A short question, a clear answer and a confirmation are often enough. This lesson follows a clothing purchase, but many of the patterns also work for shoes, household items and gifts.
Ask for an item, size or colour
Your purpose | Useful question |
|---|---|
Find an item | I'm looking for a light jacket. Could you help me? |
Ask about size | Do you have this in a larger size? |
Ask about colour | Does this come in blue? |
Try clothing | Could I try this on, please? |
Find the fitting room | Where are the fitting rooms? |
Scroll sideways to see all columns.
For one item, say “this jacket” or “it”. For plural items, say “these shoes” or “them”: “Could I try them on?” A pair of trousers is grammatically plural in “These trousers are too long.” The polite requests guide gives more ways to ask for help.
If you do not know the item's name, describe it: “I'm looking for something to keep my hands warm.” You can also ask, “What do you call this in English?” A simple explanation is often more useful than staying silent while searching for an exact word.
Check the price and what it includes
Ask “How much is this?” for one item and “How much are these?” for several. To check a total, say “Is that the total?” or “Does the price include delivery?” If you heard an amount unclearly, ask the assistant to repeat it rather than guessing.
A price reduction can be called a discount. “Is this in the sale?” asks whether it has a reduced price. “On sale” commonly means discounted in American English, although usage depends on context. For other shopping word differences, see British and American English.
Try a conversation before buying
Customer: Excuse me, do you have this jumper in a medium?
Assistant: Yes, here you are. Would you like to try it on?
Customer: Yes, please. Where are the fitting rooms?
Assistant: Just behind the counter.
Customer: Thank you. It fits well. How much is it?
Assistant: It's twenty-eight pounds.
Customer: Thanks. I'll take it.
“I'll take it” means you have decided to buy it. If you have not decided, try “I'll think about it, thank you” or “I'm just looking at the moment.” These are useful ways to finish without agreeing to a purchase.
Ask about returns before you buy
Return rules vary by shop, item, location and purchase method. This lesson gives language for asking about a policy, not a promise that a return will be accepted. Ask “Can I return this if it doesn't fit?” and “What do I need to bring?” Check any time limit or exclusions directly.
A refund means money is returned. An exchange means you replace an item with another one. A receipt records a purchase. To explain a problem, say “I bought this yesterday, but it's the wrong size. Could I exchange it for a larger one?” Keep your receipt or other purchase record as the shop requests.
Practise a clear shopping request
Your turn · self-review
Choose the words for the situation
Write a short request, then compare with the model.
Practice only. Your writing stays on this page; it is not submitted or saved.
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Model answer and explanation
These shoes are a little too small. Do you have them in a larger size? Could I try that pair on, please? Use them for the plural shoes.
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Model answer and explanation
I'd like to ask about returning this item. Is a refund possible under your returns policy, and what information do you need from me? The shop's answer determines the next step.
Repeat with a different item
Practise the same exchange with a coat, a bag and a pair of shoes. Change this to these and it to them where needed. Then add one realistic detail, such as a different colour or a question about delivery. Our travel vocabulary guide can help you use similar clarification skills while away from home.
Finish by checking the item, size and price in one sentence: “So that's the green medium jumper for twenty-eight pounds.” A brief confirmation gives both people a chance to correct a misunderstanding.
