Daily English Day 10: Grocery Shopping Basics

Grocery shopping is one of the most practical situations where English is useful in daily life. Whether you are studying abroad, traveling, or living in an English-speaking country, you will often visit supermarkets or small convenience stores. Learning the common phrases, vocabulary, and expressions will make your experience smoother and more enjoyable.

In this lesson, we will cover useful vocabulary, common questions and answers, sample dialogues, and cultural tips about grocery shopping in English-speaking countries.

Key Vocabulary for Grocery Shopping

Here are some basic words you will hear in a supermarket:

• Aisle – the long rows in a store where products are displayed.

• Cart or trolley – the wheeled basket you push while shopping.

• Basket – a smaller hand-held container.

• Produce – fresh fruits and vegetables.

• Deli – the section where you buy sliced meats, cheese, and prepared food.

• Bakery – the area for bread, cakes, and pastries.

• Frozen section – where ice cream, frozen meals, and vegetables are stored.

• Dairy – milk, cheese, butter, and yogurt.

• Checkout counter – where you pay.

• Cashier – the person who takes your payment.

• Receipt – the paper showing what you bought and how much you paid.

These terms are useful because employees often give directions like:

• “The cereal is in aisle 5.”

• “You can find milk in the dairy section.”

Common Questions You May Ask

When shopping, you may need to ask employees for help. Here are some common questions:

1. “Where can I find the rice?”
   – Use this when you cannot locate an item.

2. “Do you have any fresh bread today?”
   – Especially useful in the bakery section.

3. “How much is this?”
   – A basic question to know the price.

4. “Is this on sale?”
   – Many supermarkets have weekly discounts.

5. “Do you have a smaller size?”
   – When the package is too large.

6. “Can I pay with card?”
   – At checkout, to confirm if credit/debit cards are accepted.

7. “Do you provide bags?”
   – Some countries charge for plastic bags.

Common Questions the Cashier May Ask You

At the checkout counter, the cashier often asks short, simple questions. Knowing these will make your experience stress-free:

• “Did you find everything okay?”
  – A polite question to check if you need more help.

• “Paper or plastic?” (in countries with bag choices)
  – You can answer: “Plastic, please” or “Paper, please.”

• “Do you have a loyalty card?”
  – Some stores offer membership cards for discounts.

• “Would you like a receipt?”
  – If you don’t need it, answer: “No, thank you.”

• “Would you like a bag?”
  – If you brought your own reusable bag, say: “No, I brought my own.”

Sample Dialogue 1: Asking for an Item

Customer: Excuse me, where can I find the cooking oil?
Employee: It’s in aisle 3, next to the rice and pasta.
Customer: Thank you very much.

Sample Dialogue 2: At the Bakery

Customer: Hi, do you have any whole wheat bread today?
Baker: Yes, we just baked some this morning. It’s over here.
Customer: Great, I’ll take one loaf, please.

Sample Dialogue 3: At Checkout

Cashier: Hi! Did you find everything you needed today?
Customer: Yes, thank you.
Cashier: Do you need a bag?
Customer: Yes, one bag, please.
Cashier: That will be $15.50. Would you like to pay with cash or card?
Customer: Card, please.
Cashier: Here’s your receipt. Have a nice day!
Customer: Thank you. You too.

Useful Phrases for Politeness

When grocery shopping, politeness is very important. These expressions help you sound natural:

• “Excuse me” – to get an employee’s attention.

• “Could you help me, please?” – a polite way to ask for assistance.

• “Thank you” / “Thanks a lot” – always show appreciation.

• “I’m just looking, thank you.” – use this if you don’t need help.

Cultural Notes

1. Self-checkout machines
   – In many supermarkets, you can scan and pay for your own items. The machine will ask:

   • “Please scan your item.”

   • “Insert cash or card.”

2. Reusable bags
   – In some countries, plastic bags cost extra. Many shoppers bring their own cloth bags.

3. Sales and promotions
   – Supermarkets often use phrases like:

   • “Buy one, get one free.”

   • “20% off.”

   • “Two for $5.”

4. Politeness culture
   – Cashiers often say “Have a nice day!” at the end. A simple reply is: “You too.”

Practice Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Choose the correct word:

1. Milk and cheese are found in the ______ section.
   (Answer: dairy)

2. The long row in a supermarket is called an ______.
   (Answer: aisle)

3. The person who takes your payment is the ______.
   (Answer: cashier)

Practice Exercise 2: Create Your Own Dialogue

Imagine you are at a grocery store. Write a short conversation where:

• You ask where to find bananas.

• The employee gives directions.

• You thank the employee.

This exercise helps you practice real-life communication.

Extra Vocabulary by Category

Fruits & Vegetables: apple, banana, orange, lettuce, tomato, potato, carrot, onion.
Meat & Seafood: chicken, beef, pork, fish, shrimp.
Pantry Items: rice, pasta, flour, sugar, salt, cooking oil.
Drinks: water, juice, soda, coffee, tea.
Snacks: chips, cookies, chocolate, candy.

Listening Practice Tip

When shopping in English-speaking countries, announcements are often made over the store speakers, such as:

• “Attention shoppers, today we have a special sale on fresh strawberries in aisle 2.”

Practicing listening for numbers (aisles, prices) will help you understand these quickly.

Final Review

Today’s lesson introduced:

• Grocery shopping vocabulary (aisle, produce, dairy, etc.)

• Common questions for customers and cashiers

• Sample dialogues for real-life situations

• Cultural notes about shopping habits

• Practice exercises to improve your confidence

Mastering these basics will help you shop comfortably in English and reduce stress in everyday life.

What does “aisle” mean and how do I ask for directions in a supermarket?

An aisle is a long, numbered walkway between shelves. Staff use aisle numbers to guide customers. To ask, say: “Excuse me, where can I find the rice?” or “Which aisle is the cereal on?” Common replies include “Aisle 5, halfway down on the left,” or “It’s in aisle 3 next to the pasta.” Listen for prepositions like on the left/right, at the end, or across from.

What is the difference between a cart, trolley, and basket?

Cart (US) and trolley (UK) both mean the large wheeled frame you push. A basket is handheld and smaller. Ask: “Where are the carts?” or “Do you have hand baskets?” If you take a cart from outside, you can say, “I’ll grab a cart from the bay.” Return carts to the designated area when you finish.

How do I ask about price and sales politely?

Use clear, short questions: “How much is this?” “Is this on sale?” “What’s the price per kilo/pound?” For multiple items: “Are these two-for-one?” When something scans higher than expected, say: “I saw a lower shelf price—could you check the price, please?” Be ready to show the shelf tag if asked.

How do I talk about weights, measures, and quantities?

In many places you’ll see kilograms and grams; in the US you’ll see pounds and ounces. Useful phrases:

• “I’d like half a kilo of chicken.” / “I’d like 200 grams of cheddar.”
• “Could I get half a pound of ham?” / “About six ounces of olives, please.”
• “Just a small piece.” / “A medium pack is fine.”

At the produce section, some stores ask you to weigh and print a label; others do it at checkout. Ask: “Do I weigh the apples here or at the register?”

What should I say at the deli, butcher, or bakery counter?

Be specific about type, thickness, and amount. Try: “Could you slice this thin, please?” “I’ll take two chicken breasts.” “One loaf of whole wheat, please.” To sample: “May I try a small sample?” To customize: “Can you cut this into three pieces?” End with “That’s all, thanks.”

How do I handle special diets and food labels (organic, vegan, gluten-free)?

Key vocabulary: organic, free-range, grass-fed, lactose-free, gluten-free, vegan, sugar-free, low-sodium. Ask: “Do you carry gluten-free bread?” or “Where is the dairy-free yogurt?” If you have allergies, say: “I have a peanut allergy. Could you help me find products without peanuts?” Always check the ingredients and any allergen warnings on the label.

What do “best before,” “sell by,” and “use by/expiration date” mean?

Best before indicates quality; food may still be safe shortly after. Sell by guides store stock rotation. Use by/expiration date indicates safety, especially for meat and dairy. If dates confuse you, ask: “Is this still okay to use?” or say, “I’m looking for a fresher pack—do you have a later date?”

How do I ask for help without sounding demanding?

Polite openers soften requests: “Excuse me,” “Could you help me, please?” or “Would you mind telling me…?” Combine with a clear question: “Excuse me, could you help me find soy sauce?” End with gratitude: “Thanks so much for your help.”

What phrases will the cashier use, and how do I respond?

Typical cashier questions and good replies:

• “Did you find everything okay?” → “Yes, thank you.” / “I couldn’t find feta cheese.”
• “Do you need a bag?” → “Yes, two bags, please.” / “No, I brought my own.”
• “Paper or plastic?” → “Paper, please.”
• “Do you have a loyalty card?” → “Not yet.” / “Yes, here it is.”
• “Would you like your receipt?” → “Yes, please.” / “No, thanks.”

How do I pay—cash, card, or contactless—and what will I hear?

Common lines: “Cash or card?” “Insert, swipe, or tap.” “Please enter your PIN.” “Sign here, please.” If a card fails: “Could we try again?” or “I’ll use another card.” For digital wallets: “Can I tap to pay?” If you need small bills or coins: “Could you give me small change, please?”

What is self-checkout and how do I use it?

Self-checkout lets you scan and pay on your own. Steps:

1. Select language if prompted.
2. Scan each barcode; place items in the bagging area.
3. For produce, choose item from the on-screen list or type the code, then weigh.
4. Apply coupons or loyalty card when prompted.
5. Pay (tap, insert, or cash) and collect your receipt.

If the machine beeps or locks, say: “I think I need assistance.” An attendant will help.

How do I talk about promotions like “Buy One, Get One Free” or “2 for $5”?

Learn promo phrases: BOGO (buy one, get one free), “3 for $10,” “20% off,” “Mix & Match.” Clarify limits: “Is the offer only with the loyalty card?” “Do I have to buy two to get the discount?” If the discount doesn’t apply at checkout, say: “The sign said 2 for $5—could you check, please?”

What if an item is out of stock or I want a substitution?

Say: “It looks out of stock. Do you have any in the back?” or “Is there a similar product you recommend?” For substitutions: “I’ll take the store brand instead.” If you want to be notified later (in some regions): “Do you offer rain checks?” Staff may suggest alternatives in the same aisle.

How do I ask about bags, bag fees, and bringing my own?

Many places charge for disposable bags. Ask: “Do you charge for bags?” or “How much is a reusable bag?” If you bring your own: “I have my own bag.” At self-checkout, you may need to tell the machine, so say to the attendant: “I’m using my own bag.”

What should I say if a barcode won’t scan or the price is wrong?

Stay calm and clear: “This won’t scan—could you try manually?” or “The shelf tag showed a lower price—could you verify?” Offer to show a photo if you took one. If they adjust the price, you might hear: “We’ll honor the shelf price.”

How do I return or exchange groceries?

Policies vary. For unopened, non-perishable goods, many stores allow returns with a receipt. Ask: “What is your return policy for this item?” or “Could I exchange this for a different size?” For fresh items that spoiled too soon: “This milk seems off; could I get a refund or replacement?” Bring the product and receipt when possible.

How do I request help carrying heavy items or loading my car?

Most stores will assist. Say: “Could someone help me carry this to the front?” or “Is cart assistance available to the parking lot?” If you need delivery instead: “Do you offer home delivery or curbside pickup?” Provide order details and your slot if applicable.

What are polite ways to decline help or end a conversation?

Use friendly closers: “I’m just looking, thank you.” “I think I’ve got everything I need, thanks.” At checkout: “No bag, thanks.” “No receipt, thank you.” Add a final courtesy: “Have a nice day!” or “Thanks for your help.”

How do I ask about store brands vs. name brands to save money?

Store brands are usually cheaper and similar in quality. Ask: “Is there a store-brand version of this?” or “What’s the best value option?” Compare unit price labels (price per 100g or per ounce). If you’re unsure: “Between these two, which is the better value?”

What phrases help with planning and finding items faster?

Use these to be efficient:

• “Do you have an aisle map?” / “Is there a store directory?”
• “Where’s the quickest checkout?” / “Is any register open?”
• “Where is the express lane?” (for 10–15 items or fewer)
• “Is there a quieter time to shop?” (for crowds)

How do I describe produce freshness and quality?

Useful adjectives: ripe, unripe, fresh, bruised, firm, overripe, crisp, wilted. Ask: “Are these avocados ripe?” “Do you have fresher lettuce?” For cut fruit or meat: “Could I get one with a later date?” or “This package is damaged—may I exchange it?”

What if I can’t find a specific international ingredient?

Try: “Do you carry mirin/harissa/tamarind paste?” If not: “Is there a substitute you recommend?” Staff might suggest: rice vinegar with sugar for mirin, chili paste for harissa, or lime juice and sugar for tamarind (taste will differ). You can also ask: “Is there an international foods aisle?”

How do I use coupons, loyalty apps, and price matching?

Say: “I have digital coupons—do I scan my app now?” or “Can you price match this competitor’s ad?” Policies differ, so ask before checkout. Common sequence: scan loyalty card → scan paper/digital coupons → pay. If a coupon doesn’t apply: “Could you check why this coupon didn’t work?”

How do I handle small talk at checkout naturally?

Keep it friendly and brief. If the cashier says, “How’s your day going?” reply, “Pretty good, thanks—how about yours?” If they comment on your items: “Those strawberries look great,” you might say, “Yes, they’re on sale today.” Close with, “Thanks—take care!”

Can you give short sample dialogues for common situations?

Asking Location
Customer: Excuse me, which aisle is the soy sauce on?
Employee: Aisle 7, top shelf on the right.
Customer: Thanks a lot!

Price Check
Customer: Hi, the shelf said two for five—could you check the price?
Cashier: Sure, I’ll adjust that for you.
Customer: Thank you!

Self-Checkout Help
Customer: I think this didn’t scan—could you assist me?
Attendant: No problem, let me enter it manually.

What are the top phrases to memorize for grocery shopping?

• “Excuse me, where can I find …?”
• “Is this on sale?” / “What’s the unit price?”
• “Could I get 200 grams / half a pound of …?”
• “Do you need a bag?” → “No, I brought my own.”
• “Cash or card?” → “Card, please. I’ll tap.”
• “Could you check the price, please?”
• “Do you have a store-brand version?”
• “I couldn’t find everything; feta cheese was out of stock.”
• “Could you help me carry this to the front?”
• “May I return or exchange this?”

Quick review: What should I focus on as a beginner?

Master direction phrases (aisle numbers and prepositions), price questions, quantities, and checkout language. Practice short, polite requests and common cashier questions so you can respond automatically. Build a small set of go-to lines (location, sale, quantity, payment, bag/receipt). With these, you’ll shop confidently, even in busy stores, and handle surprises like price checks or self-checkout hiccups with clear, calm English.

Daily English Guide for Beginners: Speak with Confidence Every Day