When you need this

A big American supermarket can have thirty aisles, a deli counter, a bakery and six checkout lanes. Sooner or later you can't find the one thing you came for, and you need to ask. Grocery English is short and practical: where is it, do you have it, how much, and how do you want to pay.

A few American details help. Meat and cheese at the deli counter are sold by the pound, so you'll hear "half a pound" and "a pound and a half". At checkout, the cashier may ask if you have a rewards card, which gives members lower prices. And "paper or plastic?" is about bags; saying "I brought my own" is common now.

Phrases

asking where to find something

asking if the store sells something

the store has none left

asking if food was made or delivered today

ordering at the deli counter

two for the price of one

cheaper than usual for a short time

the cashier asks if you're a member

the cashier asks which kind of bag you want

you don't need store bags

checking if a checkout lane is working

a fast checkout for a few items

Say it out loud

Tap a sentence to hear it. Say it after the voice.

Practice · 3 min

Say it at the grocery store.

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Say it today

Use it once in a real conversation before tomorrow. Out loud counts, even to yourself.