English sentences for shopping and money: 100 examples

13. How much is this?Note: In a question, the verb comes before the subject: not "How much this is?"
14. How much do these cost?
15. That's a bit expensive.Note: Expensive is the everyday word. Costly is more formal and often means it causes losses.
16. It's cheaper online.
17. Is there a discount on this?
18. Can you do a better price?
19. That's a good deal.
20. It was half price.
21. It's not worth the money.
22. I can't afford it right now.
23. Does the price include tax?
24. Do you have anything cheaper?

25. Can I pay by card?Note: Pay by card, pay in cash.
26. Can I pay with my phone?
27. I'll pay in cash.
28. Do you have change for this note?
29. Could I have a receipt, please?
30. Do I need to enter my PIN?
31. The card machine isn't working.
32. Can I split the payment between two cards?
33. Keep the change.
34. I think you've given me the wrong change.
35. Could I have a bag, please?
36. I don't need a bag, thanks.

37. I'd like to return this.
38. I bought this here yesterday.
39. It doesn't work.
40. There's a hole in this shirt.
41. Can I exchange it for a different size?
42. Can I get a refund?
43. I've lost the receipt. Is that a problem?
44. How long is the warranty?
45. What's your returns policy?
46. The zip is broken.Note: Zip is British; zipper is American.
47. I'd like to speak to the manager, please.
48. Thank you for sorting it out so quickly.

49. We need some vegetables for dinner.
50. Half a kilo of tomatoes, please.
51. Are these mangoes ripe?
52. Is this fresh?
53. A dozen eggs, please.
54. We've run out of sugar.
55. Could you weigh these for me?
56. I'll take two of those.
57. Do you deliver?
58. Let's make a shopping list so we don't forget anything.
59. Milk is on offer this week.
60. Don't forget to bring the shopping bags.

61. I ordered it online last week.
62. My order hasn't arrived yet.
63. The parcel was delivered to the wrong address.
64. Can I track my order?
65. I always read the reviews before I buy something.
66. I've added it to my basket, but I haven't paid yet.Note: Basket is British; cart is American. Websites use both.
67. Is delivery free?
68. Can I pay cash on delivery?
69. The colour looks different from the photo.
70. I'm going to send it back.

71. I'm saving up for a new phone.
72. I'm trying to spend less on eating out.
73. I keep a budget every month.
74. I'm a bit short of money this month.
75. Could you lend me some money? I'll pay you back on Friday.Note: You lend something to someone; you borrow something from someone.
76. I owe you for the tickets.
77. Let's split the bill.
78. My salary goes into my account on the first of the month.
79. I need to take out some cash.
80. Is there a cash machine near here?Note: Cash machine is British; ATM is understood everywhere.
81. I paid the electricity bill online.
82. Prices have gone up a lot this year.
83. It was money well spent.
84. I spent too much at the weekend.

85. I'd like to open a savings account.
86. What documents do I need?
87. I'd like to transfer money to another account.
88. My card has been blocked.
89. I've forgotten my PIN.
90. Could you update my address, please?
91. What's the interest rate?
92. How long does a transfer take?

93. I love shopping for clothes.
94. I hate crowded shopping centres.
95. I prefer shopping online because it saves time.
96. I usually buy groceries at the local market.
97. I only buy things when I really need them.
98. I bought a new jacket yesterday.Note: Buy, bought, bought: not "buyed".
99. I'm not a big fan of shopping.
100. Window-shopping is free.

• Wrong: How much it costs?

  Right: How much does it cost?

  Questions need do or does before the subject.

• Wrong: Can you borrow me your pen?

  Right: Can you lend me your pen?

  The owner lends. The person who takes it borrows.

• Wrong: Give me discount.

  Right: Could I get a discount?

  A question sounds polite, and discount needs a.

• Wrong: This shirt is very costly.

  Right: This shirt is very expensive.

  Expensive is the everyday word for prices.

Talk for one minute about the last thing you bought: what it was, where you bought it and whether it was worth the money.

• Use the past simple: I bought, I paid, it cost.
• Give the reason you chose it.
• Finish with an opinion: it was good value, or I regret it.

Preparing for IELTS? Try these Part 1 style questions

IELTS Speaking Part 1 lasts 4 to 5 minutes, and the examiner asks general questions about familiar topics such as home, family, work, studies and interests (ielts.org). Answer each question below in two or three sentences, using phrases from this page.

1. Do you enjoy shopping?
2. Do you prefer shopping online or in shops?
3. What was the last thing you bought for someone else?
4. Is it easy to save money where you live?

• At the restaurant
• Travel, transport and directions
• Polite requests, apologies and thanks
• All topics
• English grammar lessons