Useful Phrases in English for When You Go Shopping

If you are thinking about taking a trip to an English-speaking country, you might want to take a look at the types of shops available, from the large shopping centres to the small shops.

Especially if you are planning your trip during sale season, why not take the opportunity to go shopping? For that reason, we have decided to present you with the phrases that will be useful for your purchases. Let’s start!

Sizes

First of all, you should be well-informed about sizing. The United States and the United Kingdom have different sizing systems than in Europe and Latin America. In general, items of clothing and shoes all carry the different measuring systems on their labels, but it is good to prepare yourself to avoid confusion.

Size European Size UK Size US Size
XXS 34 4 0
XS 36 6 2
S 38 8 4
M 40 10 6
L 42 12 8
XL 44 14 10
XXL 46 16 12
XXXL 48 18 14

 

Men Women
US UK Europe US UK Europe
6 5.5 40 4 2 35
6.5 6 40 4.5 2.5 35
7 6.5 41 5 3 36
7.5 7 41 5.5 3.5 36
8 7.5 42 6 4 37
8.5 8 42 6.5 4.5 37
9 8.5 43 7 5 38
9.5 9 43 7.5 5.5 38
10 9.5 44 8 6 39
10.5 10 44 8.5 6.5 39
11 10.5 45 9 7 40
11.5 11 45 9.5 7.5 40

Clothing for Special Occasions

Many people buy clothing for special occasions while abroad, either for fashion reasons or to save money. Here are some phrases you can use to buy an outfit for an important occasion.

Good morning, I have been invited to a wedding next week, could you help me choose a suit?

Good afternoon, I am attending a funeral next week, can you suggest an appropriate dress for me?

I am going to be a bridesmaid at my sister’s wedding in a couple of months, do you have any suitable dresses in the store?

Sizes, Colours, Models…

Excuse me, I love this pyjama, but I would prefer it in another colour. Is it available in blue?

Could you please check to see if you have this skirt in a size 10?

Is it possible to mix and match different sizes for this suit?

Which colours is this shirt available in?

Do you have these trousers in a size 8?

Is it possible to change the size of these shoes?

Can I return this item?

Where Is It Located…?

Could you tell me where the fitting room is?

Is there an elevator in this store?

Where are the escalators?

Excuse me, where is the cash register?

Could you tell me where customer service is?

Is there a toilet in this store?

Could you tell me where the shoe department is?

A Small, but Useful Glossary

cheap expensive
shop store
to buy to sell
sale new arrivals
shopping bag shopping list
change exchange
return refund
in stock out of stock
queue receipt
cashier cash
shop assistant manager
shop window stockroom
discount price

Ready to Go Shopping?

Now you are ready for an afternoon of shopping abroad. But if you want to expand your English skills, do not wait any longer. Experience ABA English’s natural method that allows students to learn easily and effectively. Try their course today!

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