SHOPPING

STORES AND SHOPS

553 Asking about store hours

When are you open?

When do you open?

How late are you open (today)?

What are your hours?

Are you open on weekends?

Are you open on Saturday?

Are you open after five?

A salesperson greeting a customer

May I help you?

Can I help you?

Can I help you find something?

Can I help you with something?

Can I show you something?

Are you being helped?

Is someone waiting on you?

Is there anything I can help you with?

Is there anything I can help you with today?

Is there anything I can help you find today?

555 A salesperson offering help to a customer

If you need me, I’ll be right here.

If you need any help, I’ll be right here.

If you need me, my name’s Linda.

If you need any help, my name’s Linda.

If I can help you find anything, I’ll be right over here.

If I can help you, just let me know.

There’s a mirror over there.

The changing rooms are over there.

Only six items in the dressing room at a time.

Only six items allowed in the dressing rooms.

556 Questions a salesperson might ask a customer

What are you interested in?

Are you looking for something in particular?

Are you looking for anything in particular?

Do you have anything in mind?

Do you have something specific in mind?

Do you know what you want?

What size do you need?

Do you know what size you are?

557 Offering merchandise to a customer

I’ve got just your size.

I’ve got just what you’re looking for.

I’ve got exactly what you need.

I have just the thing.

just the thing = exactly the right thing

Have I got something for you! (informal)

May I suggest this?

That’s on sale this week.

558 Offering additional help to a customer

Do you need anything to go with that?

Is there anything else I can interest you in?

Is there anything else I can get for you?

Is there anything else I can help you with?

What else can I do for you?

559 Finding things in a department store

Where is the men’s shop?

Where is ladies’ wear?

ladies’ wear = women’s clothing department

Where is the shoe department?

What floor is furniture on?

Where are the children’s clothes?

Where’s children’s clothes? (informal)

Where can I find children’s clothes?

Do you sell appliances here?

Where is the credit department?

Is there a public rest room here?

560 Shopping for something at a department store

I’m looking for something for my wife.

I’m looking for something for my husband.

It’s a gift.

I need a size 34.

I don’t know my size.

Can you measure me?

Would you measure my waist, please?

I need a belt.

I need some jeans.

I need a pair of pants.

I need socks.

I need a pair of socks.

I need gloves.

I need a pair of gloves.

I need a bathing suit.

I need a swimsuit.

561 When you are just looking and not buying

I’m just browsing.

Thank you, I’m just looking.

Just looking.

562 Choosing merchandise in a store

I just can’t make up my mind.

I’m not sure which I like.

Which do you prefer?

563 Questions a customer might ask in a store

Do you have this in blue?

Do you have this in suede?

Do you have this in wool?

Do you have this in a larger size?

Do you have this in a smaller size?

Do you have something a bit less expensive?

Do you have anything less expensive?

Got anything cheaper? (informal)

Do you have this in stock?

Do you have any more of these?

Do you have a shirt to match this?

Do you have a shirt to match?

564 When a customer wants to try on clothing

I’d like to try this on.

I want to try this on.

Can I try these on?

Where is the fitting room?

How many items can I take in the dressing room?

565 Encouraging remarks a salesperson might make to a customer

That looks nice on you.

That looks great on you.

That’s your color.

This is you!

It’s you!

That’s you!

That flatters you.

That’s very flattering.

That really flatters your figure.

566 Asking how a purchase will be paid for

How would you like to pay for this?

How do you want to pay for this?

Would you like to put that on layaway?

layaway = a purchase method where a deposit is
made and the merchandise is held by the merchant
until the balance is paid

Will that be cash or credit?

Will that be cash or charge?

What method of payment will you use?

567 When a salesperson cannot supply exactly what is wanted

We don’t have that in your size.

We don’t have it in that color.

We’re out of that item.

I can back order that for you.

I can issue you a rain check.

568 When merchandise is not satisfactory

It’s too tight.

It’s too loose.

I don’t like the color.

I’ll have to keep looking for what I want.

It’s a little pricey.

pricey = expensive

It’s too expensive.

569 Asking about payment plans in a store

Is it on sale?

Will it be on sale soon?

Is it going on sale soon?

Can I put it on layaway?

layaway = a purchase method where a deposit is
made and the merchandise is held by the merchant
until the balance is paid

Can you hold it for me?

Will you hold it for me?

Do you have a layaway plan?

Do you take credit?

Can I apply for a credit card?

570 Getting a purchase gift wrapped in a store

Can I get it gift wrapped?

May I get it gift wrapped?

Can I get this gift wrapped?

Where is the gift-wrap counter?

Is there a charge for gift wrapping?

Can you gift wrap that?

Would you please gift wrap that?

SHOE REPAIR SHOPS

571 Instructions for a shoe repair clerk

I need a shine.

I need ≈ I’like, I want, I would like, Can I have (?)

I need some new shoelaces.

I need these resoled.

I need the toes widened.

I need a new insert.

I need new heels.

How about some new heels?

What will it cost to have these resoled?

These need shining.

Please polish them, too.

DRUGSTORES

572 Questions for a pharmacist

Can I get this prescription filled?

Can I get ≈ May I have, Is it possible to get

Can I get this refilled?

Is this refillable?

Do you need my insurance card?

Do you have my prescription on file?

573 Requests to a pharmacist for special instructions

Should I take this with meals?

What happens if I miss taking these pills?

Will this make me drowsy?

Does this (drug) have any side effects?

What are the side effects of this drug?

574 Requesting general merchandise at a drugstore

I need some aspirin.

I need ≈ I’d like, I’m looking for

I need some antiseptic.

I need some eye drops.

I need insect repellent.

I need razor blades.

I need film (for my camera).

I need some foot powder.

THE POST OFFICE

575 A postal clerk greeting a customer

Next.

Who’s next?

Can I help someone?

May I help you?

How may I help you?

How can I help you?

576 Buying postage stamps

I need some stamps, please.

I’d like to buy a (first class) stamp, please.

I’d like ≈ I want, Can I (?), I need

I’d like to buy a book of stamps, please.

I’d like to buy a roll of stamps, please.

I’d like to buy a sheet of stamps, please.

577 Giving instructions to a postal clerk

This needs to go first class.

First class, please.

Air mail, please.

I need this to go express mail.

I need ≈ I want, I’d like, I would like

I need to send this overnight.

I need to send this second-day mail.

I need to send this parcel post.

I need to send this by certified mail.

I need to send this by registered mail.

Return receipt requested, please.

578 Asking questions at a post office

How much postage do I need for this?

How much postage does this need?

How much postage do I need to send this air mail?

Can you weigh this?

How do I get my mail forwarded?

Do you have any envelopes I could buy?

How long will it take (to get there)?

Can I have the ZIP code for Chicago?

May I have the ZIP code for Chicago?

Would you give me the ZIP code for Chicago?

Can I have a change-of-address form?

Can I rent a post office box?

Do you have any tax forms?

Can I pick up a package?

I’d like to pick up a package.

Will you please hold my mail?

579 Questions a postal clerk might ask a customer

First class?

How many stamps do you need?

A sheet or a roll (of stamps)?

How many?

Any particular style?

580 Miscellaneous expressions used by a postal clerk

We’re (all) out of those.

That should arrive on Monday.

That ought to arrive on Monday.

Let’s hope that arrives on Monday.

Sorry, you will have to stand in line.

Sorry, you will have to take a place in line.

Please print legibly.

Can I see some ID?

ID = identification

I’ll have to see some ID.

Please show me your driver’s license.

I’m sorry, I can only release the package to the person it is addressed to.

The forms are over there.

Please fill out a form and bring it back to me.

581 A postal clerk bringing a transaction to an end

Would you like anything else?

Do you need anything else (today)?

Anything else?

Will that be all?

Is that all?

THE TAILOR

582 Questions asked of a tailor

Do you do alterations on men’s clothing?

Do you do alterations on women’s clothing?

Do you do reweaving?

Can you repair a tear in leather?

What options do I have for fabric?

Can you match this color?

583 Giving instructions to a tailor

This needs to be hemmed.

This needs hemming.

The hem needs to be raised an inch.

The hem needs to be let down.

The pants legs need to be let down.

The waist needs a few tucks.

The waist needs to be taken in an inch.

The waist needs to be let out.

This jacket is tight under the arms.

It’s too short in the sleeves.

The sleeves are too long.

TICKETS

584 Requests made to a ticket agent

I’d like four seats for tonight, please.

Do you have four seats for tonight, please?

Where are the best seats you have left?

Do you have anything in the first four rows?

Do you have matinees?

How much are the tickets?

Can I exchange these for another night?

Is it possible to exchange these for another night?

585 Asking questions about payment for tickets

Do you have senior citizen discounts?

Do you have student rates?

Do you have group rates?

Do you take checks?

Do you take credit cards?

Which credit cards do you take?

586 Asking questions about an entertainment event

How long does the show run?

When does the show close?

Is there an intermission?

Where are the rest rooms?

Do you sell concessions?

How soon does the curtain go up?

What time does the curtain go up?

When does the curtain go up?

587 Questions asked by a ticket agent for an entertainment event

Did you make a reservation?

Do you have reservations?

Do you have a reservation?

What name did you reserve the tickets under?

588 Expressions about tickets to an entertainment event

I’m sorry, these tickets are nonrefundable.

I’m sorry, there are no tickets available.

I’m sorry, we’re sold out tonight.

That performance is sold out.

I’m sorry, at fifteen minutes before curtain time we release unclaimed tickets to the waiting list.

curtain time = the beginning of the performance

The house is full. I can put you on the waiting list.

Would you care to make a reservation for another night?

Do you want to make a reservation for another night?

Would you like to make a reservation for another night?

Do you want reservations for any other night?

589 Payment for an entertainment event

The tickets are $7.50 plus tax.

Students and seniors are $2 off.

seniors = people over sixty-five

I’m running out of change; do you have (any) smaller bills?

Do you have anything smaller?

Do you have anything smaller than that?

590 Information about an entertainment event

There is an intermission.

The show runs about two hours.

The house opens in about five minutes.

Please be seated. The show begins soon.

The coat room is around the corner, if you’d like to check your coat.

The concession stand is over there, if you’d care for something.

concession stand = a wagon or counter where
refreshments and souvenirs are sold

The usher will give you your program.

There is no seating after the house lights are dimmed.

You will have to wait for the intermission to be seated.

FLORISTS

591 Ordering flowers from a florist

I’d like a dozen roses, please.

I’d like ≈ I need, I’m looking for, I want

I’d like a corsage, please.

I’d like a floral arrangement.

I’d like an arrangement.

I’d like some flowers for my wife.

What kinds of vases do you have?

What do you have in season?

Which flowers are the freshest?

Do you deliver?

Can you deliver this to the hospital?

Would it be possible to deliver this to the hospital today?

How far do you deliver?

What are your delivery charges?

592 Questions a florist might ask a customer

May I help you?

What kind of flowers did you have in mind?

Short stemmed or long stemmed?

What color did you want?

Vase or wrapped?

Did you want those delivered?

Should I send them directly to the funeral home?

What do you want the card to say?

NEWSPAPERS AND MAGAZINES

593 Requesting a publication from a news vendor

Morning edition, please.

City edition.

Evening edition.

Sports final.

Do you carry The Wall Street Journal?

Do you stock Time magazine?

When is the next issue out?

594 Requesting a subscription from a magazine agent

I’d like to subscribe.

I’d like ≈ I want, I would like

I’d like a subscription.

I’d like a two-year subscription at the reduced rate.

I’d like to renew my subscription.

I’d like to change my subscription to weekends only.

I’d like to cancel my subscription.

I’d like to take advantage of your special offer for new subscribers.

Give me a subscription to Time.

595 Making a complaint to a newspaper agent

I didn’t receive a newspaper this morning.

I didn’t get a paper today.

I didn’t get today’s paper.

The delivery person threw my paper in the ditch.

They always throw my paper in the neighbor’s yard.

My paper has been arriving late.

My paper was missing the comics section this morning.

596 Expressions used with a newspaper agent

Can you leave the paper on the porch?

I’m going on vacation. Can you hold my paper for two weeks?

hold my paper = stop delivery of my paper

I’m moving, and I’d like to give you my new address.

I’d like to order a back issue.

I received a past-due notice.

Bill me.

597 Responses from a magazine agent

May I have your name and address?

Give me your name and address.

May I have your ZIP code?

What’s the ZIP code there?

Would you like a six-month or one-year subscription?

May I ask why you wish to cancel?

Thank you for your order.

598 A newspaper agent responding to complaints

I apologize for the inconvenience.

I’m sorry for the inconvenience.

I’m terribly sorry about that.

We’ll have a paper sent out to you right away.

I’ll send out the missing issue right away.

I’ll make sure the matter is taken care of.

AUTOMOBILES

599 An automobile dealer greeting a customer

Hello, can I help you?

Can I help you with something?

Can I show you something?

What were you looking for?

Do you need any help?

600 An automobile dealer finding out what you want

This model is available with automatic transmission.

This is a very popular model.

If you want comfort, this one is for you.

Do you prefer four doors or two?

Were you looking for something in a new car or a used one?

601 Choosing a car

I need a new car.

I need ≈ I’d like, I’m looking for, I’m in the market
for, What do you have in (?)

I need a used car.

I need a station wagon.

I need a van.

I need a mini-van.

I need a used car with an air bag.

I need a (good) used car.

I need an economy car.

I need a sports car.

I need a four-door.

I need an American-made car.

I’m just looking, thanks.

(a formula for telling a salesperson that you are not ready to buy anything)

602 Choosing a new car’s options

I need a car with air-conditioning.

I need ≈ I’d like, I’m looking for, I’m in the market
for, I want, I have to have

I need air-conditioning.

I need automatic door locks.

I need power steering and power brakes.

I need automatic transmission.

I need four-wheel drive.

I might want the anti-lock braking system.

Is it stick shift or automatic?

stick shift = standard transmission

What are the standard features?

What comes on it?

What’s standard?

What safety features does it have?

What sort of mileage does this car get?

What sort of mileage does this thing get? (informal)

Does this car get good mileage?

What about mileage?

What would you suggest?

603 Concerning the price of a car

What’s the sticker price?

the sticker price = the manufacturer’s suggested retail price

What are you asking for it?

How much are you asking for it?

What’s the asking price?

Hey, I’m not made of money! (informal)

Are you willing to negotiate?

Come on! You’ll never sell it at that price! (informal)

That’s my last offer. Take it or leave it. (cliché)

What do you have for $3,000?

What d’ya got for $3,000? (informal)

604 Financing a car

I’ll need financing.

I’ll have to have financing.

I need to arrange financing.

Do you offer bank financing?

What is the lowest possible interest rate you have?

Can you get me a good deal on a loan?

605 Test-driving a car

Can I take her for a spin? (informal)

her = the car

Can I take it for a spin? (informal)

a spin = a drive

Can I take it for a test drive?

Will you let me take it for a test drive?

I’d like to take it for a test drive.

Can I take it for a road test?

Let’s give it a road test.

Let’s see what it’ll do on the highway.

What’ll this baby do on the highway? (informal)