Calling the Store to Check Hours

Dialogue8

Vocabulary7

• hours

  This word refers to the times when a business is open for customers. For example, 'store hours' means the opening and closing times of a shop. It's useful when asking about schedules.

• open

  As a verb, it means to start business or unlock doors for customers. As an adjective, it means available for business. Very common in daily conversations about shops or services.

• until

  This preposition shows a time limit, like 'open until 6 PM' meaning it stays open up to 6 PM. Use it to describe end times in schedules.

• usually

  An adverb meaning 'normally' or 'most of the time.' It's helpful for talking about regular habits, like daily opening times.

• definitely

  This adverb means 'certainly' or 'without doubt.' Use it to confirm something strongly, like asking if a store is open now.

• since

  This preposition indicates a starting point in time, like 'open since 9 AM' meaning from 9 AM until now. It's useful for explaining durations.

• look forward to

  A phrasal verb meaning to anticipate something with pleasure. Common in polite endings, like 'We look forward to seeing you' to invite customers warmly.

Key Sentences8

1. 1

   I'm calling to ask about your store hours today.

   This is a polite way to start a phone call inquiring about business times. Use it when contacting a store. The structure 'I'm calling to + verb' is common for stating the purpose of a call.

2. 2

   We're open until 6 PM this evening.

   This sentence gives closing time information clearly. Useful for customer service. Note the future time expression with 'until' and the casual 'we're' for contractions.

3. 3

   What time do you usually open in the mornings?

   A question about regular opening times. 'Usually' adds the idea of habit. This pattern 'What time do you + verb?' is essential for asking schedules.

4. 4

   We open at 9 AM from Monday to Saturday, and 10 AM on Sundays.

   This explains weekly hours with days of the week. Useful for describing routines. It uses 'from...to...' for ranges and 'and' to connect different days.

5. 5

   So you're definitely open now?

   A confirmation question using 'so' to connect to previous info. 'Definitely' emphasizes certainty. Great for double-checking availability in conversations.

6. 6

   Yes, we've been open since 9 this morning.

   This confirms current status with present perfect 'we've been open' for ongoing action from past to now. 'Since' specifies the start time. Ideal for reassuring customers.

7. 7

   Perfect, thank you so much for the information!

   A polite way to end a conversation after getting help. 'Thank you so much' adds emphasis. Use this to show appreciation in service interactions.

8. 8

   You're welcome! We look forward to seeing you.

   Standard polite response to thanks, followed by a friendly invitation. 'Look forward to + gerund (seeing)' is a common positive closing phrase in business.