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(Asking about Price)
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Whether you're
shopping for souvenirs on vacation, browsing clothes at a store, or inquiring
about services, knowing how to ask about the price in English is a fundamental
communication skill. It's a simple question, but there are various ways to
phrase it depending on the situation and your level of politeness. Let's
explore the essential English phrases for asking about prices with confidence
and clarity!
Direct and
Simple Inquiries:
These are
straightforward ways to ask about the cost of an item or service:
- "How much is this?" (Often used when
pointing at a specific item.)
- "How much does this cost?" (A more formal
way to ask the same question.)
- "What's the price of this?" (Another
direct and common question.)
More Polite
Ways to Inquire:
Adding polite
phrases can make your question sound more courteous:
- "Excuse me, how much is this?"
- "Pardon me, what's the price of this?"
- "Could you tell me how much this is?"
- "I was wondering how much this costs."
- "Do you know how much this is?"
Asking
About Multiple Items:
If you're
interested in the price of more than one thing:
- "How much are these?" (Pointing at
multiple items.)
- "What's the price of these?"
- "How much do these cost?"
- "Could you tell me the price of these?"
Inquiring
About Services or General Costs:
When you're
asking about the cost of a service or a general item where the specific item
isn't present:
- "How much is [service/item category]?"
(e.g., "How much is a haircut?", "How much is a cup of
coffee?")
- "What are your prices for [service/item
category]?" (e.g., "What are your prices for haircuts?",
"What are your prices for coffee?")
- "Could you tell me your rates for
[service]?" (e.g., "Could you tell me your rates for
tutoring?")
- "What's the cost of [service/item
category]?" (e.g., "What's the cost of delivery?")
Understanding
Responses About Price:
Be prepared to
hear various ways the price might be given:
- "[Number] dollars/pounds/euros, etc."
(e.g., "Ten dollars.")
- "It's [number] dollars/pounds/euros."
(e.g., "It's twenty euros.")
- "This is [number] dollars/pounds/euros."
(e.g., "This is five pounds.")
- "They are [number] dollars/pounds/euros
each." (For multiple items.)
- "The price is [number]
dollars/pounds/euros."
- "That will be [number]
dollars/pounds/euros." (Often at the checkout.)
Asking for
Clarification:
If you don't
understand the price or need more details:
- "Sorry, could you repeat that?"
- "Could you say that again, please?"
- "Is that including tax?"
- "Is there a discount for [reason]?"
- "What's the price per [unit - e.g., kilo,
liter]?"
Example
Conversations:
- At a souvenir shop:
- You: "Excuse me, how much is this
small statue?" (pointing)
- Shopkeeper: "That's fifteen
dollars."
- You: "Okay, thank you."
- At a clothing store:
- You: "What's the price of this blue
sweater?"
- Sales Assistant: "The sweater is
thirty-five pounds."
- You: "Does that include tax?"
- Sales Assistant: "Yes, that's the
final price."
- Asking about a service:
- You: "Could you tell me your rates for
a one-hour massage?"
- Spa Receptionist: "Our rate for a
one-hour Swedish massage is sixty euros."
Asking about
prices in English is a fundamental skill that will make your shopping and
inquiries much smoother. By mastering these simple yet effective phrases, you
can confidently navigate various purchasing situations. Remember to be polite
and don't hesitate to ask for clarification if needed. Now you're equipped to
ask "How much?" with ease! What are some of your experiences asking
about prices in English? Share your stories or any other helpful tips in the
comments below! |
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