Money words come fast and they matter — a wrong one at a counter costs you real money. These eight cover paying, getting money back, and everything in between.
1. At the Counter
Cashier: That's twelve fifty.
Ines: Card, please.
Cashier: Tap or insert.
Ines: Did it go through?
Cashier: It did. Would you like a receipt?
Ines: Yes, thanks.
2. Paying Cash
Vendor: Cash only, I'm afraid.
Paul: I've got a twenty.
Vendor: That's fine. Eight back.
Paul: Sorry, I thought it was ten.
Vendor: Twelve for the bag. Here's your change.
Paul: Right, thanks.
3. Is It on Sale?
Dana: This was cheaper last week.
Clerk: The sale ended Sunday.
Dana: Any discount at all?
Clerk: Ten percent if you have our card.
Dana: I do, somewhere.
Clerk: Take your time.
4. Splitting the Bill
Ko: Shall we split it?
Ruth: You had more than me.
Ko: Fine. I'll pay, you get the next one.
Ruth: Deal.
Ko: Do you have anything smaller?
Ruth: Only a fifty.
5. Lending and Borrowing
Mo: Can I borrow ten until Friday?
Sara: Sure. Here.
Mo: I'll pay you back on Friday.
Sara: No rush.
Mo: I mean it this time.
Sara: You always do.
6. Getting a Refund
Ana: The blender stopped working.
Clerk: How long have you had it?
Ana: Three weeks. I've got the receipt.
Clerk: Then it's still under warranty.
Ana: Can I get a refund?
Clerk: Refund or a new one, your choice.
7. That's Too Expensive
Tim: How much for both?
Seller: Forty.
Tim: That's a bit steep.
Seller: Thirty-five, final.
Tim: I'll take them.
8. Saving Up
Ela: Are you buying the bike?
Jon: Not yet. I'm saving up.
Ela: How much more do you need?
Jon: About two hundred.
Ela: You'll get there.
Jon: By spring, I hope.
Words to know
| change | the money you get back when you pay too much Twelve for the bag. Here's your change. |
| receipt | the printed paper that proves you paid Would you like a receipt? |
| discount | an amount taken off the normal price Ten percent if you have our card. |
| split | to divide a bill between two or more people Shall we split it? |
| borrow | to take money or a thing and give it back later Can I borrow ten until Friday? |
| lend | to give money or a thing to someone for a while She lent me ten until Friday. |
| refund | money returned to you when you give something back Can I get a refund? |
| save up | to keep money aside until you have enough Not yet. I'm saving up. |
Quick practice
Complete each sentence with an expression from the lessons.
1. A: Did it go through?
B: It did. Would you like a ________?
2. A: Twelve for the bag.
B: Here's your ________.
3. A: Any ________ at all?
B: Ten percent if you have our card.
4. A: Shall we ________ it?
B: You had more than me.
5. A: Can I ________ ten until Friday?
B: Sure. Here.
6. A: Are you buying the bike?
B: Not yet. I'm ________ up.
Show the answers
1. receipt 2. change 3. discount 4. split 5. borrow 6. saving
Common mistakes
Not: Can you give me the rest?
Say: Can you give me the change?
The money that comes back to you is change. The rest means everything else.
Not: This bag is very cheap price.
Say: This bag is very cheap.
Cheap already means low in price, so nothing follows it.
Not: I borrowed him some money.
Say: I lent him some money.
You borrow from someone and lend to someone. The money moves in opposite directions.
Your turn
Think about the last three things you paid for. Say these five things aloud.
- Say what you bought yesterday and how much it cost.
- Ask a shop assistant whether you can pay by card, politely.
- Explain why you want to return something and ask for a refund.
- Say one thing you are saving up for and how long it will take.
- Offer to split a bill with a friend in two sentences.
Quick review
Borrow and lend are the pair that trips up nearly every learner. Say these two sentences out loud until they feel automatic: Can I borrow your pen? and Can you lend me your pen? Same situation, two verbs, opposite directions.