In a Clothes Shop

A

Shopping for a Sweater

• Can I help you?
• Yes, I’m looking for a sweater.
• What size are you?
• (I’m) extra large.
• How about this one?
• Yes, that’s nice. Can I try it on?
• Certainly, there are the changing rooms over there.
• Thank you.
• How does it fit?
• It’s too large. Do you have a large?
• Yes, here you are.
• Thank you. I’ll have it, please.
• OK, how would you like to pay?
• Do you take credit cards?
• Yes, we do. Visa, Master Card and American Express.
• OK, here’s my Visa.
• Thank you. Have a nice day!
• Thank you, goodbye.

B.

To explain what you want, use:

I’m, looking for something like this in green.

I’m looking for a jacket.

I want to get some trousers.

I’m looking for something for about $40.

C

Talking about colour:

• Have you got another colour?
• This is too dark/too light.
• I like/don’t like this colour.

D.

Talking about price

• How much is it/are they?
• Have you got anything cheaper?
• Have you got anything more expensive?
• That’s cheap/expensive; it’s too expensive.

E

Talking about size

• What size is this?
• Will this fit me?
• Have you got anything bigger/smaller?
• Have you got this in a bigger/smaller size?
• It is/they are too big/small/short/long/tight/loose.
• It/They won’t fit me

F.

Asking about trying clothes on

• I’d like to try this on
• Where can I change?
• Can I try these on?
• Is there a changing room here?
• Where can I try these on?

G

General conversations

• Can I try these on?
• Is there a changing room here?
• What would you like to see?
• I’d like to see your overcoats, please.
• What kind of overcoats would you like to see?
• I’d like to see your winter overcoats – probably wool.
• I’d like to look at your sweaters, if I could.
• Certainly. Any particular style?
• Could I see some of the new styles, please?
• Of course. Please step right this way.
• I’m interested in seeing your summer suits.
• What colour did you have in mind?
• White, or some light colour, I think.
• Step over to this other room with me, would you please?
• That jacket you have on now seems to fit you very well.
• What kind of material is this?
• It’s a mixture – cotton and wool.
• I’m not sure it’s heavy enough for the fall weather.
• Here’s a very popular kind of sport coat – the most recent thing.
• I notice there isn’t much padding in the shoulders.
• No. It has a natural shoulder line.
• I like the narrow lapels and the stitching on them.

Journey by Bus

A.

Getting the right bus

• Do you know when is the next bus to the town?
• How often do these buses run?
• When’s the next bus to the airport?
• Which bus goes to the park?
• Which bus do I take to get to the college?
• What number bus should I catch for the city?
• Is this the right bus for the station?
• There’s one every ten minutes.
• Take a 17 to the station.
• Change there onto the university bus.
• It takes about half an hour
• Where do I get the Dadar bus?
• Walk straight ahead 100 meters.
• Are there many bus stops along this street?
• Yes, there are. There are quite a few.
• Are they located at the corners?
• Most of them are, but a few aren’t.
• How do I get to the (Dadar station)?
• Take the bus at the next corner.
• Do you know which bus I take?
• Watch for (number 124).
• Thank you very much.
• Welcome.

B.

Finding where to catch a bus.

• Is there a bus stop near here?
• Where’s the nearest bus stop?
• Is this the right bus stop for the…?
• Is this the right place for a bus to town?
• Could you direct me to the bus station?
• Where’s the central bus station?

C.

On the Bus

 

• Does this bus go into the town?
• Yes. Where do you want to go?
• I want to go to Connaught Place.
• This is the right bus then.
• Does this bus go as far as Gandhi Square?
• No. You’ll have to change.
• Where can I do it?
• You can get the Gandhi Square bus at the next corner.
• Is this where I get off the bus?
• No. Not here-at the next stop.
• Can I catch an auto right there?
• Yes. There’s an auto stand right by the bus stop.
• Excuse me, but how do I get to this address?
• Get off the bus at Water Street and Main.
• Thanks very much for your help.
• Don’t mention it.
• Is West Street the next stop?
• I’m sorry, but I didn’t understand you.
• Does the bus stop at West Street next?
• Yes. Right at the next corner.
• Is this the right bus for the airport?
• Does this go to the bus station?
• The Central Park, please.
• I want to go to the city.
• How much is it?
• What is the fare?
• How much is the fare?
• Can I get a return ticket?
• Do I have to change?
• How many stops is it?
• How long does it take?
• Could you tell me where to get off, please?
• Which is my stop?

Shopping 2

A.

At the Grocery Store.

• How much do the potatoes cost?
• Fifteen cents a pound.
• I’d like a bag of onions and a jar of olives.
• Do you need fruit – apples, lemons, plums?
• Perhaps a box of cherries I’ll put all this in a box.
• I forgot to buy some rice.
• How much do you want?
• Would you please get me two pounds?
• All right. A two-pound bag.
• Don’t you need milk or cream?
• Let’s get some sour cream too.
• Please give me two bottles of milk.
• All of our milk is in cartons.
• Cartons are all right, but I prefer bottles.

B.

At a gift shop

• Yes, can I help you?
• Yes, I’m looking for some gift articles.
• Here we’ve got a stock of fine Titan watches, madam...
• Let me see...
• This is the best one madam.
• But how much does it cost?
• Yes. It’s expensive. Two thousand rupees… But I tell you it’s worth the money you pay.
• I’m sorry I can’t afford to pay so much… Let me tell you.
• This is the right kind of thing for your husband madam.
• But I’m not married.

C.

Buying a TV

• Good Morning.
• Good Morning, sir. Can I help you?
• I am looking for a colour T.V. Set. What brands do you have?
• We have all leading brands, sir. The models are also the latest ones.
• What about Philips colour T.V.?
• Yes, we do have Philips TVs. They are excellent in performance and we do sell a large number of them.
• A friend of mine, Mr. Mahesh Reddy, recommended your store to me.
• Perhaps you know him?
• Of course, Mr. Reddy is our esteemed customer. He purchased a T.V. just last month from us.
• Oh dear! I forgot to ask you the price of the T.V. over there. That is a Philips colour T.V., I am sure?
• It is Rupees fourteen thousand five hundred plus taxes, sir. It is four percent less than the market price here. We give this special discount to our customers because we are the biggest dealers of Philips TVs. In this area.
• I am very happy to hear that. Can your mechanic come and install it at my place?
• Just don’t worry, sir. Leave all your problems to us. We shall do everything to satisfy you. Should I get this T.V. packed for you?
• Yes, I have decided to take it, but one more thing. Can I make the payment by cheque?
• Yes sir. You can.
• Thank you very much.
• Thank you, sir, for your visit. Have a nice day.

D.

Shopping for Groceries

• What do you call a big grocery store like this?
• It’s called a “supermarket”.
• It’s convenient to see everything and pick out what you want.
• Having these carts to put things in is convenient too.
• How about fish tonight – salmon, tuna fish, trout?
• I notice the clams and oysters are fresh today.
• That sounds very good.
• Let’s also get a pork roast or turkey for tomorrow.
• Now we have sugar, salt, pepper and flour.
• We also need mustard, vinegar and cinnamon.
• I’ll get those while you get the cabbage and celery.
• Fine. I’ll meet you at the check-out counter.
• Would you please get me a bag of sugar?
• Do you want two or five pounds?
• A two-pound bag will be all right.
• OK. I’ll meet you at the canned-food counter.
• How many eggs should we get?
• Two dozen should be enough.
• How much butter do you think we need?
• One pound is enough, don’t you think?

Shopping

A.

Talking about Shopping

• Where do you do your shopping?
• Usually start at the Central Department Store.
• What do you think of their selection?
• They have a good selection, and their prices are low, too.
• They’re having a big sale at the Greenfield shopping Center.
• Anything in particular on sale?
• Well, they advertised linens and house furnishings.
• I suppose there’ll be crowds of people in the store.
• I spent the afternoon shopping for clothes.
• How did you make out?
• Well, I found an excellent raincoat, and I bought some shoe.
• That reminds me that I have to go shopping soon.
• Where did you buy your coat?
• I bought it at the Fifth Avenue Store-but a long time ago.
• About how much did it cost?
• At the moment, I’ve forgotten how much it cost.
• Why did you choose the green one?
• To tell the truth, I really didn’t have much choice in my size.
• Excuse my asking. But how much did you pay for it?
• It was on sale, and I paid only forty-five dollars.

B.

Asking about Prices

• How much does this pen cost?
• I beg your pardon.
• How much is this pen?
• Its four dollars and fifty cents.
• How much is this leather billfold?
• It’s five twenty-five.
• Does that include tax?
• It’s five forty-four including tax.
• This briefcase costs five fifty.
• That’s fine. I’ll take it.
• Will there be anything else?
• I don’t believe so, thank you.
• Are office supplies on sale too?
• Let’s see. That’ll be twenty-one fifty.

C.

Buying things

• How much is that?
• How much does that sell for?
• How much are these oranges?
• Give me a kilo of apples.
• Pick out big ones, please.
• Excuse me. I’d like a shirt for myself.
• A packet of cigarettes, please.
• I’d like to buy 3 kilos of apples.
• They must have no spoiled spots in them.
• I’d like to see some belts, please.
• Let me see what you have in handkerchiefs.
• Give me a tube of toothpaste.
• I don’t suppose you have anything cheaper?
• Can I have a 10-rupee postal order please?
• Which of these do you think are better?
• I’m looking for a radio.
• I think I will take this one.
• Have you got a bigger size?
• What’s the price of this washing machine?
• Well, I’ll take half a dozen of those, please.
• Oh, it’s more expensive, is it?
• Have you got a different style?
• These are small.
• Have you any that are slightly larger?
• Let me see some pens, please.

D.

Getting help in Stores

• Do you need any assistance?
• Yes. How much is that pen?
• This one or that one?
• The one next to the black one.
• May I help you?
• Yes. I’d like to look at pens.
• Certainly. Fountain pens or ball-point pens?
• I’m looking for a good fountain pen.
• Could you help me, please?
• What can I do for you?
• Could I look at the wristwatch in this case?
• Just one moment, please, while I get the key.
• Hello. Are you waited upon?
• No. I’d like a ream of typing paper, please.
• Will there be anything else?
• No. I believe that’s all, thank you.
• Is someone helping you?
• I beg your pardon?
• Could I help you with anything?
• No, thanks. Someone is already waiting on me.

Getting Change, Lending and Borrowing Money

A.

Getting Change

• Have you got any change?
• What do you need?
• I need change for a quarter.
• Here are two dimes and five pennies
• Can you change this five-dollar bill?
• How do you want it?
• A five and five ones, please.
• Here you are.
• Do you have change for a dollar bill?
• Just a minute and I’ll see.
• I need some quarters.
• Can you break a twenty dollar bill?
• Do you have change for a dollar?
• I have some coins I need to change.
• I need five dollars in quarters.

B.

Talking about Money

• I have some coins I need to change.
• How much money do you have?
• Not very much.
• Do you have many dollar bills?
• Not very many, I’m afraid.
• I think I’ve lost my money.
• Oh, that’s what’s bothering you.
• It’s a good reason to be upset, isn’t it?
• Are you sure you lost your money?
• I’m sure I did.
• Would you please look again?
• I will, but I’m sure it’s not here.
• How many pennies did you have in your valet?
• I had exactly five hundred of them.
• What did you do with them?
• I put them in rolls of fifty pennies each.
• Have you made very much money this year?
• Not an awful lot.
• How hard have you tried?
• Not as hard as I could have, I’m afraid.
• How much did you make this week?
• Two Hundred dollars.
• Is that your take-home pay?
• Yes, it is.
• I've got to pay a lot of bills.
• And I’ve got to pay my rent today.
• Money goes very fast these days, doesn’t it?
• It certainly does.
• Did you put the money in the bank?
• I deposited part of it and spent the rest.
• Do you have an account at that bank?
• How much do you have to keep in the account?
• There’s no minimum.

C.

Lending and Borrowing Money

• Could you lend me a dollar until tomorrow?
• I can if you have change for a five.
• I wish I did, but I don’t.
• Well, we can get it changed easily.
• I need about ten dollars.
• What do you need it for?
• I need it for books and supplies.
• O.K., I’ll lend it to you.
• How much do you need?
• Could you spare four or five dollars?
• What did you need the money for yesterday?
• I wanted it for a new suit.
• Did you get the money?
• Yes. I borrowed it from a friend.
• How much change have you got?
• Two quarters, two nickels, and a dine.
• That’s not enough to change this dollar bill.
• I’ll lend you all of this change if you want it.
• I think I can borrow enough money to go.
• You’re on vacation with your friend in Las Vegas.
• You have just spent all your money.
• Your friend is upstairs in the hotel room.
• Call your friend and ask to borrow $60.

D.

Describing price changes

• The price has gone up.
• It went up (last month/sharply/gradually)
• The cost of (food) is rising.
• There was a rise in price.
• In (summer) prices should go down.
• The cost of (this) went down (last year)
• The price of (oil) may drop.
• We had a drop in (salary costs).
• It was a sharp drop/a slight drop
• There was a fall in prices.
• Prices stayed the same.
• The cost of living will stay level.
• Prices are at about the same level.

E.

Talking about living costs

• (Houses) are very expensive/cheap
• We can/can’t afford (chocolate).
• It’s (not) hard/difficult.
• Some people find it difficult to cope.
• It’s very hard for (people on a pension).
• We’re better off/worse off.
• What’s it like in (your country)?
• How is it with you?

F.

Talking about tax

• The government takes (30%) in tax
• You have to pay income tax/sales tax.
• I pay (a third) in tax.
• (10%) of your salary goes for insurance.
• The taxes are high/low.
• There’s good social security/insurance.
• You get a pension at (60).
• How much do you pay in (income tax)?
• What are the taxes like?

Staying in a Hotel

A.

Dialogue: Getting a Room for the Night

A. Good evening, Can I help you?

B. Yes, please. I’d like a room for the night.

A. Would you like a single room, or a double room?

B. A single room, please. How much is the room?

A. It’s Rs 350 per night.

B. Ca I pay by credit card?

A. Certainly. We take Visa, Master Card and American Express. Could you fill in this  

     form, please?

B. Do you need my passport number? No, just an address and your signature.

A. (fills out the form) Here you are.

B. Here’s your key. Your room number is 212.

A. Thank you.

B. Thank you. If you need anything, dial 0 for the reception are. Have a good stay!

B.

Specifying the hotel

• I want something cheap and best.
• I want a neat and clean one.
• I want something with (two or three) stars.
• What sort of hotel is it?
• Is it a star hotel?
• I want somewhere near the Railway station.
• I want a guest house.
• I’m looking for a bed and breakfast place.
• What’s a good hotel in this town?
• How far is it from here?
• What’s the name of the hotel?
• I have a reservation for a room here.
• Where’s the hotel, please?
• Where’s that?
• Can you tell me where the hotel is?
• On this side or the other side?
• I want to go to the Beachside Hotel.
• Excuse me. I’m lost.
• I live at the Royal Hotel.
• Where’s the Park Hotel on this Map?

C.

Booking rooms

• I’d like a (single room), please.
• (A single room) with bath, please.
• I’d like a (suite), please.
• I’d like to book a (double room).
• I want a (twin room)
• I am looking for just a (dormitory please.)
• I’d like a family room with three beds.
• Have you got (two adjoining rooms)?
• I want a room with a (shower).
• A room with a (balcony).
• I’d like a (television).
• I want a room for (one) night.
• For (three/Thursday & Friday) nights
• For the nights from the (3^rd) to (10^th) May.
• That’s (eight) nights.
• I’ll arrive on the (evening of the 25^th) and leave on the (morning of the 29^th)
• Can I take the elevator over here?

D.

Talking about the tariff

• I want (bed and breakfast/bed only).
• I’d like (half board)
• I want (lunch) included
• I’ll book it (full board)
• What is the tariff?
• Does that include (breakfast)?
• How much is it (per person/per room)?
• How much is it (half board/full board)?
• Is that inclusive?

E.

Key Vocabulary

Can I help you?

I’d like a room.

Single, double room.

Can I pay by credit card?

Fill in this form.

Passport number.

Room number.

Reception.

Travel by Taxi/Rent a Car

A

To find out where you can hire a car, use:

• Can I hire a car here?
• Is there a car-hire firm here?
• With Americans, use the word RENT
• Is there a car-rent firm here?
• Where is the best place to hire/rent a car?
• Where can I hire/rent a car cheaply here?

B

To tell them what you want, use:

• I want a medium/small/large car for (a week).
• I want to hire/rent a car for (next Tuesday).
• I want something cheap/comfortable.
• I need a four-seater.
• I want it (at nine o’clock tomorrow morning).
• I need a car now/immediately.
• I need it for (the weekend).
• I want to go to (Turin).
• Can you deliver it?
• Can I collect it?

C

To ask about costs, use:

• How much do you charge?
• What is the tariff?
• I’d like to see your table of charges
• How much is a (four-door/five-door)?
• Does the charge include mileage (kilometers)?
• What do you charge per day/mile/kilometer?
• Are there any extra charges?

D

To find out about the formalities, use:

• I have (an international license).
• Is a (Swiss) driving license all right?
• Do you want proof of identity?
• How much is the deposit?
• Can I pay with (a Diners Club card)?
• Do I need my passport?
• What insurance is included?
• I’d like a receipt, please.
• Where do I sign?
• Do you want my signature?

E

Going by Taxi: Dialogue

• I need a taxi.
• The taxis are by the entrance.
• Thank you very much.
• You’re welcome.
• Is this taxi taken?
• No. Where are you going?
• I’m going to the Central Secretariat.
• O.K.
• How much is the fare?
• Twenty Rupees and Fifty Paise
• Here. Keep the change.
• Thank you very much.

F

Going by Taxi

• Where are you going now?
• To the hotel.
• Are you going by bus or by taxi?
• Probably by taxi if I can get one.
• It’s raining cats and dogs right now.
• Why don’t we get a taxi?
• That’s a good idea.
• Now, I only hope we can find one.

G

Taking a Trip by Car

• Are you taking a trip today?
• Yes. We’re going to Boston.
• It’s a good day for the trip.
• I’m glad the sun is shining.
• How far is it from here to the coast?
• It’s about 250 miles.
• How long does it take to get there by car?
• It takes about five hours.
• How far is it to the next gas station?
• There’s one two miles from here.
• Is there a place to eat there?
• Yes. There’s a restaurant next to the station.
• What’s the best way to Ocean City?
• The superhighway, but it’s also the longest way.
• How much longer is it that way?
• About 10 to 12 miles.
• Are they going by way of North Plains?
• No. They aren’t taking that route.
• How are they traveling then?
• They’re driving directly to Ocean City.

EXERCISE

1. You’re on holiday in England and have hired a car for one week. When you arrived at the car park in Heathrow Airport, you found a Fiat 126 and not the BMW you ordered by telephone from Italy. Go to the car hire office to demand your original car… and for the same price as the Fiat because of the inconvenience.

2. You are the manager of a car hire company at Heathrow airport. A tourist is complaining about the car you gave them. Explain why there were no BMWs and that you were very considerate in choosing an Italian substitute car for them.