Asking for the Price of an Item

Asking for the Price of an Item

Learn simple and direct phrases to ask for the price of an item at a market or shop. This lesson is perfect for beginners who need to practice basic shopping conversations.

SpeakItGo• FEATURED• 3 min

BEGINNER

Customer:
Excuse me. How much is this?
Shopkeeper:
This? It is five dollars.
Customer:
Okay. And what about that one?
Shopkeeper:
That one is ten dollars.
Customer:
Hmm. That is a bit expensive.
Shopkeeper:
I can give you a small discount.
Customer:
How much for both?
Shopkeeper:
For both? I can give you a total of twelve dollars.
Customer:
Okay, that's good. I will take them. Thank you.
Shopkeeper:
You're welcome.

Vocabulary

price

The amount of money you must pay for something.

  • What is the price of this?
  • The price is written on the tag.
  • I want to know the price.

cost

The amount of money needed to buy, do, or get something.

  • How much does this cost?
  • This shirt costs twenty dollars.
  • What is the total cost?

Grammar Tip: Using 'How much is...?' and 'What is...?'

Both 'How much is this?' and 'What's the price of this?' are correct and common ways to ask about the price. 'How much...' is generally used for uncountable things or when you don't know the exact object, while 'What's the price...' is more specific. For a beginner, both work well.

Common Mistakes

❌ Just saying 'Price?' without a full sentence.

✅ Use a full sentence to be polite, like 'How much is this?' or 'What's the price?'

Using a full sentence is more polite and natural. It shows you are making a request, not a demand. It's a key part of polite conversation in English.

❌ Using 'that' for something you are holding.

✅ Use 'this' for items you are holding or pointing at close to you. Use 'that' for items that are far away.

This is a common mistake. Remember that 'this' and 'these' are for things near you, and 'that' and 'those' are for things far from you. Pointing can help make it clear.

Notes for Learners

  • Use a polite greeting like 'Excuse me' before asking your question.
  • Be ready to point to the item you are interested in.
  • You can use either 'How much is this?' or 'What is the price?'
  • Listen for the number and the currency (dollars, pounds, etc.) in the shopkeeper's answer.
  • Remember to say 'thank you' at the end of the conversation.

INTERMEDIATE

Customer:
Hello. I was wondering if you could tell me the price of this vase?
Shopkeeper:
Good morning. That vase is forty-five dollars.
Customer:
I see. And does that include tax?
Shopkeeper:
No, the price is before tax. Tax is an extra three dollars.
Customer:
I understand. I'd also like to know the cost of the small painting next to it.
Shopkeeper:
The painting? That one is sixty dollars.
Customer:
Okay. Thank you for your help. I will think about it.
Shopkeeper:
You're welcome. Let me know if you have any more questions.
Customer:
I will. Thanks again. Have a good day.
Shopkeeper:
You too. Goodbye.

Vocabulary

tax

Money you pay to the government, often added to the price of something you buy.

  • Does that include tax?
  • The price is ten dollars plus tax.
  • We have to pay a sales tax on clothes.

total

The whole number or amount of something.

  • What is the total cost for everything?
  • The total is fifty-five dollars.
  • Please add up the total.

Grammar Tip: Using 'I was wondering if...'

The phrase 'I was wondering if...' is a very polite and indirect way of asking a question. It is great for when you are asking for information that might be a bit of a bother to the other person. This makes your request sound much softer and more polite.

Common Mistakes

❌ Asking 'What is price?'

✅ Use a full and polite question like 'I was wondering if you could tell me the price of this?'

This shows a higher level of English and is more respectful. It sounds less direct and more like a polite request, which is very common in English conversations with strangers.

❌ Not asking about tax.

✅ Ask a simple question like 'Does that include tax?' to be sure about the final price.

In many countries, tax is not included in the listed price. It's a good practice to ask about this to avoid any surprises at the end.

Notes for Learners

  • Use polite phrases to start your call, like 'I was wondering if you could tell me...' or 'Could you tell me...?'
  • Be ready to ask about tax or other extra costs.
  • When asking about multiple items, be clear about which one you are asking about, like 'that one' or 'the one next to it.'
  • It's polite to thank the shopkeeper even if you don't buy anything.

ADVANCED

Customer:
Good afternoon. Would you mind telling me the cost of this particular sculpture?
Shopkeeper:
Good afternoon. That piece is priced at ninety-five dollars.
Customer:
I see. And what is the final price, including all applicable taxes and fees?
Shopkeeper:
The total would be one hundred and two dollars and fifty-five cents, all-inclusive.
Customer:
And are you able to provide a breakdown of that price?
Shopkeeper:
Certainly. It's ninety-five dollars for the item, plus seven dollars and fifty-five cents in sales tax.
Customer:
That's very helpful. Thank you for your transparency. I'd like to purchase it.
Shopkeeper:
Wonderful. I'll get that prepared for you at the counter.
Customer:
Thank you. I appreciate your assistance.
Shopkeeper:
My pleasure. Please come again.

Vocabulary

particular

Used to mean 'this specific one' when asking about an item.

  • I'd like to know the cost of this particular sculpture.
  • Is there a particular reason you want this brand?
  • I have a particular interest in old books.

applicable

Relevant or suitable; something that applies to a certain situation.

  • Does the price include all applicable taxes?
  • Please fill in the form and provide all applicable information.
  • These rules are applicable to all students.

Grammar Tip: Using 'Would you mind...?'

The phrase 'Would you mind...?' is an excellent way to make a very polite and formal request. When you use this phrase, the verb that follows must end with '-ing'. For example, 'Would you mind telling me the price?' or 'Would you mind showing me that?'

Common Mistakes

❌ Using short, direct phrases.

✅ Use more formal and professional phrases like 'Would you mind telling me...?' or 'What is the final price, including...?'

Advanced English is about choosing the right tone for the situation. In a professional setting like a market, using formal phrases shows a high level of fluency and respect. It's a key part of advanced communication.

❌ Not asking for a breakdown of the price.

✅ If you are interested in the details, ask for a breakdown with a phrase like 'Are you able to provide a breakdown of that price?'

This shows you are a thoughtful customer and are interested in all the details, which is a key part of advanced communication. It also helps you understand the price structure better.

Notes for Learners

  • Use a polite greeting and open your request with a formal phrase like 'Would you mind...?'
  • Use phrases like 'this particular item' to be very specific about what you are asking about.
  • Be ready to ask about the final price, including all taxes and fees.
  • Acknowledge the shopkeeper's professionalism and thank them for their help.