Vocabulary/ A1 Vocabulary lessons and / Shops and shopping – A1 English Vocabulary
Shops and Shopping
Learn common types of shops and useful shopping phrases
About This Lesson
In this A1 Elementary Vocabulary Lesson, you will learn different common types of shops and useful phrases that are used when shopping. Check the pictures and read the definitions and examples below.
Types of Shops – Visual Guide
Common Types of Shops
Grocery store
A shop where you buy food and things for the house.
Bakery
A place where you buy bread, cakes, and pastries.
Chemist’s (UK) / Pharmacy (US)
A shop where you get medicine and health products.
Clothing store (US) / Clothes shop (UK)
A shop where you buy outfits like shirts and trousers.
Shoe store (US) / Shoe shop (UK)
A place where you can buy footwear for your feet.
Bookstore (US) / Bookshop (UK)
A shop with lots of books to read and buy.
Toy store (US) / Toy shop (UK)
A shop that sells toys and games for children.
Hardware store / DIY shop (UK)
A shop where you find tools and things for fixing your house.
Electronics store
A place to buy things like computers and TVs.
Jewelry store (US) / Jewellery shop (UK)
A shop where you can buy rings, necklaces, and other pretty things to wear.
Flower shop / Florist
A place where you buy flowers for decoration or as gifts.
Pet store (US) / Pet shop (UK)
A shop where you find animals like cats and dogs and things for them.
Corner shop (UK) / Convenience store (US)
A small shop where you buy everyday items such as newspapers, magazines, snacks, drinks, and some food items.
Stationer’s (UK) / Stationery store (US)
A place where you buy things for writing and office work like pens and paper.
Furniture store
A big shop where you buy things like chairs, tables, and beds for your home.
Gift shop
A shop where you find things to buy as presents for people.
Differences between the UK and the US
The names of shops are often different in the US and the UK. For example, in the US, they normally use the word store to refer to shops. In the UK, the word shop is more common.
| The United States | The United Kingdom |
|---|---|
| clothing store | clothes shop |
| shoe store | shoe shop |
| bookstore | bookshop |
| toy store | toy shop |
| jewelry store | jewellery shop |
| pet store | pet shop |
Useful English Phrases When Shopping
Here’s some useful language that you can use when you are shopping.
Shop Assistant
- • How can I help you?
- • Here you are.
- • Sure./Of course.
- • It’s … pounds/dollars.
- • Here’s your change (and your receipt).
- • Here’s your receipt.
- • Have a nice day.
- • And here’s your bag.
Customer
- • I’m just looking, thanks.
- • I’m looking for…
- • Do you have any…?
- • How much is it?
- • How much is/are the…?
- • I’ll pay in cash/by credit card.
- • Can I pay in cash/by credit card?
- • Can I try this on?
- • Do you have this in… (blue/a large/etc.)?