In this second of two exercises on buying clothes, we will continue to look at commonly used English vocabulary for shopping for clothes, introducing phrases and words that are essential when talking and asking about clothes in a clothes shop. We will also look at some phrases that a customer can say to a shop/sales assistant when they don't want to buy a piece of clothing.
Click here to go to the first part of this 'shopping for clothes vocabulary' exercise
Read the following conversation between a customer (Louise) and a shop/sales assistant in a clothes shop in London. Louise is interested in buying a jersey.
From the context, try to guess what the meaning of the words/phrases in bold are. Then do the quiz at the end to check if you are right.
Louise:'Excuse me, do you have this in green?'
Shop Assistant:'I'm not sure if we do, let me just check. The manager will know if we do.'
3 minutes later
Shop Assistant:'I'm afraid we don't. We sold out of this jersey in green yesterday. It's very popular, a lot of people are buying it. We only have this jersey now in blue and grey. Would you like to see them?'
Louise:'No thanks, I'm looking for a jersey in green.'
Shop Assistant:'But we do have some similar jerseys in green on this rack. Look, these two are very similar and green. Would you like to try them on?'
Louise:'Ok. Is there a mirror?'
Shop Assistant:'Yes, over there.'
3 minutes later
Shop Assistant:'So, how did they fit?'
Louise:'Well, the first is a little too big. Too large for me. Also, the sleeves are too long and are covering my hands. I like the second jersey, it fits me well. Is the jersey 100% cotton?'
Shop Assistant:'It will say on the label, inside the jersey. No it isn't. It's 50% Cotton and 50% wool.'
Louise:'Does it say on the label if the jersey is machine wash, so you I can wash it in a washing machine?'
Shop Assistant:'The label says that it can't be cleaned in a washing machine or with water. The jersey is dry clean only. So it has to be cleaned in a specialist shop and not in a washing machine.'
Louise:'Oh, it's expensive to dry clean clothes.'
Shop Assistant:'I can find you a green jersey that doesn't need to be dry cleaned.'
Louise:'No, it's fine thanks. I prefer the style of the jersey that you don't have in green.'
Shop Assistant:'Well, we'll have some more in of the green jersey that you like next week. If you want, I can reserve you one? So, you know that you'll have one when they arrive.'
Louise:'No, it's fine thanks. I'm only in London this week. Thanks anyway.'
Shop Assistant:'You are welcome.'
Match the words/phrases in bold from the above text to each of the definitions/descriptions below. Click on the "Check" button at the bottom of the quiz to check your answers.
When the answer is correct, two icons will appear below the answer. The "" icon contains extra information on the word/phrase. In the "" icon, you can listen to the pronunciation of the word/phrase.
Now that you understand the meaning of the words/phrases and when to use them, practise using them by creating your own sentences with them in English. Also click on the "" icon under each correct answer and listen how each is pronounced correctly.
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