Welcome! In this short lesson you'll practice common shopping phrases you can use in stores and online. Have fun — these will make shopping less stressful and more polite.
Level A2: Lesson 105 focuses on everyday shopping questions you need right away. You will practice asking about size, availability, price, returns, exchanges, holding an item, and delivery time. This CEFR-aligned lesson gives simple phrases, a short dialogue, and quick practice so you can try them out in real shops.
After this lesson you'll be able to:
Recognize and use nine common shopping phrases in simple store situations.
Ask about size, availability, price, returns, exchanges, holds, and delivery.
Practice pronunciation and short responses for polite shopping (Level A2).
Ready? Let's go!
When you tap play on phrases, we track your progress through this lesson.
1. Reading + Listening Practice
Hear core phrases, repeat aloud.
Can I exchange this?
ask about exchanging a purchase
Meaning: Ask about exchanging a purchase.
When to use: Use this when you want to swap an item for a different one (size, color, or a non-defective replacement).
Tip: Sometimes learners say only 'Exchange?' which can sound unclear; say the full question.
Can I exchange this? I bought it yesterday but the color is wrong.
Can I exchange this? I bought it yesterday but the color is wrong.
If the shoes don't work, can I exchange this for a larger size?
If the shoes don't work, can I exchange this for a larger size?
What is the return policy?
ask about the rules for returns
Meaning: Ask about the rules for returns.
When to use: Use this when you need to know how many days you can return an item and any conditions.
What is the return policy? I want to know if I can return it.
What is the return policy? I want to know if I can return it.
Before I buy, can you tell me: what is the return policy?
Before I buy, can you tell me: what is the return policy?
It doesn't fit.
say that clothing or an item is not the right size
Meaning: Say that clothing or an item is not the right size.
When to use: Use this after trying on clothes or checking an item and it is too small or too large.
Tip: Don't say 'It not fit.' — remember the correct form 'It doesn't fit.'
It doesn't fit. Can I try the next size?
It doesn't fit. Can I try the next size?
I like it, but it doesn't fit well around the shoulders.
I like it, but it doesn't fit well around the shoulders.
I'm just browsing, thanks.
politely decline help from staff while shopping
Meaning: Politely decline help from staff while shopping.
When to use: Use this when staff offer help but you want to look around without interruption.
I'm just browsing, thanks. I'll ask if I need anything.
I'm just browsing, thanks. I'll ask if I need anything.
Thank you, I'm just browsing, thanks.
Thank you, I'm just browsing, thanks.
Is it still available?
ask if an item is in stock or still for sale
Meaning: Ask if an item is in stock or still for sale.
When to use: Use this to check whether a product can still be bought now.
Is it still available? I saw it online but can't find it here.
Is it still available? I saw it online but can't find it here.
That dress in the window — is it still available?
That dress in the window — is it still available?
Is the price correct?
ask if the displayed price is correct
Meaning: Ask if the displayed price is correct.
When to use: Use this when price tags, sale signs, or the checkout total look wrong or unclear.
Tip: Beginners sometimes say 'Price right?' which is too informal; use the full question for clarity.
Is the price correct? The tag says $40 but the scanner shows $60.
Is the price correct? The tag says $40 but the scanner shows $60.
Excuse me, is the price correct for this shirt?
Excuse me, is the price correct for this shirt?
Can you hold this for me?
ask a store to keep an item temporarily
Meaning: Ask a store to keep an item temporarily.
When to use: Use this when you want staff to reserve an item until you return.
Can you hold this for me? I need five minutes to get cash.
Can you hold this for me? I need five minutes to get cash.
If I go to another floor, can you hold this for me at the desk?
If I go to another floor, can you hold this for me at the desk?
How long does delivery take?
ask about delivery timing
Meaning: Ask about delivery timing.
When to use: Use this when buying online or using a store delivery service and you need a time estimate.
How long does delivery take? If I order today, when will it arrive?
How long does delivery take? If I order today, when will it arrive?
Do you know how long delivery takes for international orders?
Do you know how long delivery takes for international orders?
What size is this?
Ask for product size information before buying
Meaning: Ask for product size information before buying.
When to use: Use this to confirm the size of clothes, shoes, or other items before trying or buying.
What size is this? I need a medium.
What size is this? I need a medium.
Excuse me, what size is this pair of shoes?
Excuse me, what size is this pair of shoes?
2. Conversational Listening Practice
Hear phrases in a real mini-conversation.
In a clothing shop, Anna and a staff member David discuss an item Anna wants.
What are Anna and David talking about? (availability, size, exchange, or browsing)
Anna
Is it still available?
She asks if the item is available.
David
Yes, we have one left. What size do you need?
He says there is one left and asks about size.
Anna
What size is this? I'm usually a medium.
She asks the size of the item.
David
This is a small. You can try the medium in the fitting room.
He explains the size and invites her to try.
Anna
It doesn't fit. Can I exchange this?
She says it doesn't fit and asks about exchanging.
David
Yes. Also, if you want us to keep one, can you tell me: can we hold this for you?
He offers to hold an item for her.
3. Guided Practice
Quizzes and matching to lock in meaning.
Your new jacket is too small. Which phrase says this clearly?
You see two prices on a shelf and at the till. What should you ask?
You want the shop to keep a sweater while you get money. Which do you say?
You're ordering online and need an arrival estimate. What do you ask?
I tried the dress in the fitting room, but it doesn't fit.
I tried the dress in the fitting room, but ___.
Before I buy the shoes online, what is the return policy about returns?
Before I buy the shoes online, ___ about returns?
Excuse me — the jacket in the window, is it still available or is it sold?
Excuse me — the jacket in the window, ___ or is it sold?
Match the core phrases
Match the extra phrases
4. Speaking Practice
Say phrases yourself (mic/recording).
Recording stays on your device only. Check speech uses your browser's speech tools when available.
