Foundation · Everyday Life

At the supermarket

Your goal: find items, ask about prices, and pay for your groceries using simple, effective English. Practical language for one of the most common daily tasks.

1

Survival Phrases

Finding things

  • Excuse me, where is the milk?
  • Do you have fresh bread?
  • I'm looking for the fruit section.

Asking about price & weight

  • How much is this?
  • Can I have 200 grams of ham, please?
  • Is this on sale?

At the checkout

  • Do I need a bag?
  • I'll pay by card, please.
  • Can I have a receipt?
2

Model Dialogue

Customer: Excuse me, where can I find the eggs?

Staff: They are in aisle 4, next to the butter.

Customer: Thank you. And how much are these apples?

Staff: They are £2.50 per kilo.

Customer: Great, I'll take a few. (At the checkout) Hello, I have my own bag.

Cashier: OK. That's £12.40. Card or cash?

Customer: Card, please.

Cashier: Please tap here. Have a nice day!

3

Register: formal vs informal

SituationPolite (Staff)Casual (Family/Friends)
AskingCould you tell me where...?Where's the...?
PayingI'd like to pay by card.I'll just tap.
4

Typical Mistakes

  • How much it costs? → How much is it? / How much does it cost?
  • I want a paper. → Can I have a receipt, please?
5

Culture Note

  • Self-service checkouts are very common. They have a "Help" button if you get stuck.
  • Bags: In many countries, you have to pay for plastic bags, so people bring their own.
6

Practical Task

  1. Make a list. Write down 5 things you usually buy at the supermarket in English.
  2. Practice asking. Imagine you can't find coffee. Practice saying "Excuse me, where is the coffee?".

Before you finish, can you…

  • ☐ask for a specific item location?
  • ☐ask for a specific weight of food?
  • ☐pay for your items at the checkout?