Back to Situations

Deciding on a Purchase

A customer weighs their options, perhaps discusses with a friend or family member, and decides whether to purchase an item or not.

Dialogue

Listen and follow along with the conversation

1
Customer (Female)
This dress is really nice, but I'm not sure about the color. What do you think?
2
Friend (Female)
It looks good on you! The blue really brings out your eyes. Do you like how it fits?
3
Customer (Female)
The fit is perfect, actually. It's just... I already have a few blue dresses. Maybe I should try the green one instead?
4
Friend (Female)
Oh, right. I forgot about that. The green one is pretty too, but it's a very different shade. It might be less versatile.
5
Customer (Female)
That's a good point. And this blue one is on sale, which is a bonus. The green one isn't.
6
Friend (Female)
True. If you're happy with the fit and the price, I say go for the blue. You can always accessorize it differently.
7
Customer (Female)
You're right. I think I'll get it. Thanks for helping me decide!
8
Friend (Female)
No problem! It looks great.

Vocabulary

Essential words and phrases from the dialogue

brings out

This phrase means to make a feature more noticeable or attractive. For example, a color can bring out your eyes by making them stand out more when you wear it.

fit

In clothing, 'fit' refers to how well the clothes match your body shape and size. A good fit feels comfortable and looks right.

versatile

Something versatile can be used or worn in many different situations or ways. For clothes, it means you can pair it with various outfits.

shade

A shade is a particular variation of a color, like light blue or dark green. It's useful when describing or comparing colors in shopping.

on sale

This means an item is discounted or cheaper than usual. It's a common phrase in shopping to highlight a good deal.

accessorize

To accessorize means to add items like jewelry, belts, or bags to complete or change the look of an outfit.

go for

This informal phrase means to choose or decide to buy something. It's often used when making a final decision, like 'go for the blue one.'

Key Sentences

Important phrases to remember and practice

What do you think?

This is a simple way to ask for someone's opinion. It's useful in shopping or daily conversations to involve others. The question form invites a response without being too direct.

It looks good on you!

This is a common compliment when someone tries on clothes. 'On you' emphasizes how it suits the person's appearance. Use it to encourage a friend during shopping.

The fit is perfect.

Here, 'fit' describes clothing size and comfort. This sentence uses 'is' for a state of being. It's practical for expressing satisfaction with how clothes feel and look.

Maybe I should try the green one instead?

This suggests an alternative using 'maybe' for uncertainty and 'instead' to replace one option with another. It's a polite way to consider changes in shopping decisions.

That's a good point.

This agrees with someone's advice or idea. It's a natural response in discussions, showing you value the input. Use it to keep the conversation positive.

If you're happy with the fit and the price, I say go for the blue.

This conditional sentence ('if') gives advice based on conditions. 'I say' adds a personal recommendation. It's useful for helping friends decide on purchases.

You're right. I think I'll get it.

This shows agreement and a final decision. 'I'll get it' is a contraction of 'I will get it,' meaning to buy. It's a common way to conclude a shopping discussion.