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Quiz 🎲|Every day, one new expression.|

Today's Expressions

Learn useful English expressions easily and fun.

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behind the counter

the area in a shop where employees stand to serve customers or keep items · usually a sales or service desk

What's the situation?

Ever wondered where all the cool stuff is kept, or where the staff usually hang out? 🤔 "Behind the counter" is that spot! It's where the magic happens, from ringing up sales to answering your questions. Think of it as the staff's command center! 🏪✨

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What's the return window?

What is the period during which an item can be returned? · How long do I have to return this?

What's the situation?

You've just bought something, but you're not 100% sure about it, or you might need to try it on again at home. Asking about the return window helps you know your options! 🛍️⏱️

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Is that all for today?

Are you finished shopping for now? · Do you have any other items to purchase in this transaction?

What's the situation?

You're at the checkout, and the cashier is politely asking if you've gathered all the items you intend to buy in this transaction. It's a common, friendly way to wrap things up! 🛒✨

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What are you looking for?

What specific item or type of product do you need or want to find? · What do you hope to purchase?

What's the situation?

This is a super common and incredibly helpful question you'll hear from shop assistants, friendly strangers, or even your shopping buddies when you're out and about. It's a fantastic, direct way to offer assistance and quickly understand what someone is hoping to find amidst all the choices. Think of it as the ultimate ice-breaker to a more focused shopping quest! 🛍️🧐

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I'm looking for something along these lines

something similar to this · in this style/category

What's the situation?

Imagine you're in a store and you've found an item that you *almost* love, but it's not quite right. Or maybe you have a picture on your phone of something you want! This phrase is your secret weapon. You can show the item or picture to a sales assistant and say, 'I'm looking for something along these lines,' to convey the style, type, or general idea you're interested in. It helps them understand your taste without you having to describe every detail!

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Do you have a loyalty card?

Do you have a store membership card? · Are you part of our rewards program?

What's the situation?

This question is super useful when you're at the checkout and want to see if you can get points or discounts! 💳 It's a quick way to ask if the store has a rewards program you're enrolled in. ✨

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Is this self-checkout?

Is this a lane where I can scan and pay for my items myself? · Can I pay here without a cashier?

What's the situation?

Perfect for when you're in a hurry 🏃‍♀️ or just prefer handling your own transactions! This question helps you quickly identify if you can bypass the traditional cashier line and scan your items yourself. It’s super handy in busy stores or for quick purchases!

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Is this for a gift?

Are you buying this to give to someone as a present?

What's the situation?

Imagine you're at the checkout, buying something that seems perfect for a friend or family member. The cashier might ask this to offer gift services! 🎁 It's a super polite and helpful question that can make your life easier.

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Do you have this in cotton?

Is this item available in a different material?

What's the situation?

You've found a super cute shirt or a comfy sofa, but you're not a fan of the fabric. You love the style, though! This is when you ask, "Do you have this in cotton?" or "Do you have this in leather?" It's all about finding that perfect match for your style AND comfort. ✨

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Where's the checkout?

Where can I pay for my items? · Which way to the cash register?

What's the situation?

You've found everything you need, your basket is overflowing with goodies, and now you're ready to make it official! 🎉 This is the go-to phrase when you're done shopping and need to find where to pay. Easy peasy! ✨

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to be waited on

to be served by a sales assistant · to receive service from a staff member

What's the situation?

Imagine you're in a busy shop, browsing, and you're ready to ask a question or need some help. This phrase is perfect for describing the act of getting attention from a shop assistant. It’s like saying, "I'm waiting for someone to help me" or "I was finally helped by someone." It implies a service interaction. 🛍️🤝

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I'm just browsing

just looking around · not looking to buy anything specific right now

What's the situation?

This expression is your go-to when you're in a store and a friendly sales associate asks, "Can I help you find anything?" 😉 It's the perfect polite way to say you're enjoying the scenery without feeling pressured to buy. Think of it as window shopping, but inside! 🛍️✨

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to get the runaround

to be given evasive or unhelpful information or directions when seeking assistance · to be sent from one person or department to another without resolving an issue

What's the situation?

Ever been to a store where you just can't get a straight answer? 😩 You ask for help, and they send you to another person, who sends you to another, and suddenly you're on a grand tour of the store's customer service labyrinth! This phrase perfectly describes that frustrating experience.

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Is this available in store?

Can I buy this here physically? · Do you have this item at this location?

What's the situation?

You've seen an item online or in an ad and want to know if you can pick it up right now at the physical store. It's a key question when you want to avoid online shipping fees or waiting times, or simply prefer to see the item in person before buying! 🛍️✨

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Is this line moving?

Is this queue progressing? · Is the checkout line moving forward?

What's the situation?

Ever found yourself stuck in a ridiculously long checkout line, wondering if you'll ever escape? 😫 This expression is your secret weapon! Use it when you're trying to figure out if a slow-moving queue is actually moving, or if you should abandon ship and try another line. It’s perfect for those moments of retail despair! 🛒💨

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Excuse me, do you work here?

Are you an employee here? · Could you help me?

What's the situation?

Ever found yourself wandering aisles, desperate for help, but can't find a staff member? This is your magic phrase! ✨ Use it when you're unsure if someone is an employee or just a fellow shopper, especially if they look like they know their way around. It's polite, to the point, and often gets you the assistance you need!

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I'll take a look

I'll browse · I'll examine it

What's the situation?

You're in a store, and a friendly sales associate asks if you need help finding anything specific. This expression is your polite and casual go-to when you just want to browse independently or want to check out an item without immediate assistance. 🚶‍♀️🛍️

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Is someone available to help me?

May I get some assistance? · Is there an employee free to help?

What's the situation?

You're in a store, looking for something specific or perhaps just a general direction, but all the staff seem occupied. This expression is perfect for politely signaling you need a hand! 🙋‍♀️ It's like a polite 'S.O.S!' without being too loud. ✨

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I'll check back later

I will return or inquire again at a later time · I'll try again later

What's the situation?

This is super useful when you're at a store, and an item you want is out of stock, or you're waiting for a sale. Instead of leaving empty-handed, you can tell the staff (or yourself!) that you'll return to check its availability or price again. It's like saying, 'See ya, item! I'll be back!' 🕵️‍♀️✨

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What can I get you?

How may I help you? · What would you like to buy?

What's the situation?

This is a super common and polite question that a shop assistant or server will ask to find out what you want to purchase or what help you need. It's quick, friendly, and gets straight to the point! 🛒🗣️

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Are you still looking?

Do you need more help finding things? · Have you finished browsing?

What's the situation?

You've been browsing a store for a while, and a friendly sales associate approaches you again. 🧐 They want to know if you've found what you needed or if you're still searching for something specific. It's a polite way to offer further assistance without being pushy! 🛍️

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I'm good for now

No thanks, I don't need anything at the moment · I have everything I need for now

What's the situation?

This is a super versatile and polite phrase! 👋 You can use it when a store assistant asks if you need help, and you're just browsing or have everything you need. It gently says 'I'm okay, thanks!' without being abrupt. Perfect for avoiding awkward follow-ups! 😉

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Is there anything else I can help you with?

Do you need more help? · Can I assist you further?

What's the situation?

This super useful phrase is your go-to when you've just finished helping someone in a shop or with a service, and you want to politely check if they need anything else. It shows you're attentive and ready to offer more assistance. Think customer service guru! 🦸‍♀️🛒

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Did you find everything you were looking for?

A common question asked by a salesperson to a customer at checkout · a polite way to ask if the customer successfully bought all their intended items?

What's the situation?

Imagine you're at the checkout, basket full, and the cashier smiles and asks this. 😄 It's their friendly way of checking if your shopping trip was a success! You can also use it when a friend is leaving a store.

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