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!