Shopping Conversations
Learn practical customer and staff language for availability, size, price, quality, payment, exchanges, and receipts.
Learning Flow
Learn -> Practice -> Challenge
After This Lesson
Use the lesson in real situations
Practice with helpful SONA feedback
Complete the challenge with clear answers
Save your progress as you complete the lesson
Learning outcome
Learning Goal
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Learning outcome
Learning Goal
Ask whether a product, size, colour, or feature is available.
Compare options and clarify the total price before paying.
Respond naturally during fitting, checkout, or collection.
Explain an exchange, return, or product problem calmly.
Where you will use it
Real-Life Context
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Where you will use it
Real-Life Context
Use specific product details so staff can help efficiently.
Check price, quantity, condition, warranty, and return terms when relevant.
Decline suggestions politely when they do not meet your needs.
Keep receipts and describe problems factually rather than blaming staff.
Teacher explanation
Core Learning
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Teacher explanation
Core Learning
Ask for the exact option
Name the item and add size, colour, quantity, budget, or feature.
I'm looking for a lightweight backpack under three thousand rupees.
Is this notebook available with plain pages?
I need six metres of this fabric in dark green.
Compare before deciding
Ask about differences that matter instead of relying only on better or best.
Which one has the longer battery life?
Does this material shrink after washing?
What is included with the display model?
Complete or repair the purchase
Confirm payment and receipt details, or explain a problem with evidence and a preferred solution.
Can I pay part in cash and the rest by card?
Please email the invoice to this address.
The lid does not close properly, so I would prefer a replacement.
Useful phrases
Key Expressions
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Useful phrases
Key Expressions
neutral
Finding a product
Use these when you know the item or feature you need.
Could you show me where the travel adapters are?
Do you sell refill packs for this pen?
Is there a similar option in my budget?
informal
Making a choice
Use these while comparing, trying, or declining options.
This fits well, but the sleeves are too long.
I prefer the first one because it feels sturdier.
Thanks, but I'm only browsing for now.
formal
Payments and problems
Use clear, courteous wording at checkout or customer service.
Could you confirm the final amount before I pay?
The card payment appears twice on my statement.
Would a refund or store credit be possible?
Tone choice
Formal vs Informal
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Tone choice
Formal vs Informal
formal
Formal
Use precise details for higher-value purchases, invoices, warranties, and complaints.
Could you explain what the warranty covers?
I would like a written estimate before approving the repair.
Please record the product serial number on the invoice.
neutral
Neutral
Use direct, polite questions in ordinary shops and markets.
How much is this after the discount?
May I try these shoes on?
Could I have a bag for the glass items?
informal
Informal
Use relaxed language with familiar local sellers while staying respectful.
Do you have anything a little brighter?
I'll take two if they are the same price.
Let me think about it and come back.
Short natural exchanges
Mini Conversations
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Short natural exchanges
Mini Conversations
Checking size and stock
Do you have these trousers in size thirty-two?
We have that size in black, but not in grey.
Could I try the black pair, please?
The customer responds to the available option without repeating the whole request.
Clarifying a price
The shelf label says twelve hundred, but the bill shows fourteen hundred.
Thank you for pointing that out. I'll check the product code.
Please let me know which price applies before I pay.
The problem is described with facts and a clear next step.
Requesting an exchange
I bought this lamp yesterday, but the switch is loose.
Do you have the receipt and original packaging?
Yes, I brought both. Could I exchange it for another one?
The customer explains the fault and provides the requested evidence.
Sound natural
Natural English Tip
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Sound natural
Natural English Tip
Use I'm looking for when you want help finding an item.
Ask how much is it, not how much it is, in a direct question.
Browse means look without deciding to buy immediately.
A factual problem description is usually more effective than an angry accusation.
Gentle correction
Common Mistakes
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Gentle correction
Common Mistakes
Avoid: How much it is?
Use: How much is it?
Put is before the subject in a direct question.
Avoid: I want one cloth in blue colour.
Use: I'd like this shirt in blue.
Name the item and use in before the colour.
Avoid: Give me another piece.
Use: Could I see another one, please?
The request form sounds cooperative rather than demanding.
Avoid: This product is worst.
Use: This product is not working as expected.
Describe the specific problem instead of using an unsupported judgement.
Context matters
Cultural/Context Note
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Context matters
Cultural/Context Note
Fixed prices, bargaining, taxes, and return policies vary between shops and countries.
Ask whether bargaining is appropriate rather than assuming every market uses it.
Digital payment availability can change, so carry an alternative when necessary.
Write and get feedback
Practice
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Write and get feedback
Practice
Type your answers first. Feedback appears after you save and submit practice.
Apply it once
Real-Life Scenario
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Apply it once
Real-Life Scenario
Buy a useful item and resolve a price difference
You need a practical bag within a budget. Compare two options, confirm payment details, and handle a price mismatch at checkout.
Ask for the item with two requirements.
Compare one useful feature.
Confirm the final price and payment method.
Explain the mismatch and request a solution politely.
Submit your answer
Challenge
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Submit your answer
Challenge
Write 4 shopping lines that move from finding an item to completing or repairing the purchase.
Ask for a product with a size, feature, or budget.
Compare two options or ask to try one.
Clarify price, payment, receipt, or warranty information.
Explain a product problem and request an exchange, refund, or alternative.
Personal coaching
SONA Tutor Feedback
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Personal coaching
SONA Tutor Feedback
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Mission Complete
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Mission Complete
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