Paying at the Pump with Card
The driver uses a credit or debit card directly at the gas pump's payment terminal, following on-screen instructions to select fuel grade and complete the transaction.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
filling up
This phrase means adding fuel to a vehicle's tank until it is full. It's commonly used at gas stations when you want to buy enough gas to completely fill your tank.
tank
The tank is the large container in a car or truck that holds gasoline or other fuel. You often hear 'fill up the tank' when getting gas.
insert
To insert means to push something into a slot or opening, like sliding a card into a machine. At gas pumps, you insert your credit card to pay.
ZIP code
A ZIP code is a short code used in the US for mail delivery, like a postal code. Gas pumps often ask for it to verify your card for security.
grade
In this context, grade refers to the type or quality of gasoline, based on octane levels. Different grades cost different prices and are for different engines.
regular unleaded
This is the most common and cheapest type of gasoline without lead. Most cars use it, and you select it at the pump for everyday driving.
nozzle
The nozzle is the handle on the gas pump hose that you hold to dispense fuel into your car's tank. It's the part that clicks when the tank is full.
receipt
A receipt is a printed slip of paper that shows what you bought and how much you paid. It's useful for records or returns, and pumps can print one after payment.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Alright, filling up the tank today. Card ready.
This sentence shows casual preparation for a task. 'Filling up the tank' is a common phrase for getting a full tank of gas. Use it when starting to refuel. 'Alright' is an informal way to say 'okay' to begin something.
Okay, the screen says 'Insert card'. Got it.
Here, the speaker follows instructions from a machine screen. 'The screen says' describes what a display shows. 'Got it' means 'I understand' or 'done.' This pattern is useful for describing steps in self-service situations like ATMs or pumps.
Now it's asking for my ZIP code. Let's punch that in.
This uses present continuous 'it's asking' to describe what a machine is requesting. 'Punch that in' is slang for entering information on a keypad quickly. It's practical for tech interactions; use when inputting codes or PINs.
Next up, 'Select grade'. I'll go with regular unleaded.
'Next up' means the following step in a process. 'I'll go with' expresses a choice. This sentence demonstrates selecting options at a machine. Useful for making decisions in stores or pumps; grammar shows future intention with 'will.'
Alright, 'Lift nozzle and begin fueling'. Here we go.
Quoting instructions with single quotes is common for machine prompts. 'Here we go' signals starting an action. This is great for narrating steps; use it to encourage yourself or others when beginning a task like pumping gas.
Yes, print receipt. Always good to have one.
Short commands like 'print receipt' are used at machines. 'Always good to have one' explains a general benefit. This teaches imperative form for selections and why it's useful: receipts prove payment. Say it when choosing options on screens.
Got the receipt. Perfect. Done and done.
'Got the receipt' means received it. 'Perfect' shows satisfaction. 'Done and done' is an idiomatic way to say the task is completely finished. Use this casual expression at the end of transactions to confirm everything is complete.