English Learning: Going Shopping for Clothes

Dialogue

Alice: Bob, what are you doing this afternoon? I really need to go clothes shopping!

Bob: Alice, shopping? Oh, no, not again! My wallet still has PTSD from your last trip.

Alice: Don’t be silly! I just need a new top. And maybe some trousers. And possibly a jacket…

Bob: See? It always starts with “just one thing.”

Alice: But I have nothing to wear! My closet is full, but nothing fits my vibe today.

Bob: Your vibe? Is that like when my shirt says “weekend” but my pants say “I still need to do laundry”?

Alice: Exactly! So, are you coming? I need a second opinion. A stylish second opinion.

Bob: Me? Stylish? My best fashion advice is “Is it clean?” and “Does it match my other clean clothes?”

Alice: Come on! It’ll be fun. We can get ice cream afterward.

Bob: Ice cream? Okay, you got my attention. What kind of clothes are you looking for?

Alice: Something bright! Maybe a yellow dress? Or a floral skirt?

Bob: Yellow? Floral? My eyes! Are you trying to blind me in the fitting room?

Alice: Don’t worry, I’ll pick something nice for you too. A new t-shirt, perhaps?

Bob: Oh, no, no, no. My t-shirts are perfectly fine. They have character. And maybe a few questionable stains.

Alice: Perfect! Let’s go then. My “vibe” is calling for retail therapy!

Bob: (Sighs) Lead the way, fashionista. Just promise we won’t buy everything.

Current Situation

Shopping for clothes is a common activity. People go to stores, markets, or shop online to buy new shirts, pants, dresses, and other items to wear. They might need clothes for a special event, for a new season (like winter or summer), or just to update their wardrobe and feel good. Sometimes, friends go together to help each other choose outfits, offer opinions, and make the experience more fun!

Key Phrases

• I really need to go shopping: Used when you feel a strong need to buy something.

  Example: I really need to go shopping for a new coat; it’s getting cold.

• Don’t be silly!: Used to tell someone not to be foolish or unreasonable.

  Example: Don’t be silly! You look great in that dress.

• It always starts with…: Used to describe a typical beginning of a situation or process.

  Example: It always starts with a small idea, then it grows into a big project.

• I have nothing to wear!: A common phrase used when someone feels they lack suitable clothes for an occasion.

  Example: I have nothing to wear to the party tonight!

• a second opinion: Advice from another person after you’ve already received one.

  Example: Can I get a second opinion on this shirt? I can’t decide.

• you got my attention: Meaning something succeeded in making you interested.

  Example: The delicious smell of pizza got my attention.

• looking for: Used to ask what someone is trying to find or wanting to buy.

  Example: What kind of shoes are you looking for at the market?

• Lead the way: Used to tell someone to go first, especially if they know the path.

  Example: I don’t know this park, please lead the way.

• retail therapy: The act of shopping to improve one’s mood.

  Example: When I feel stressed, I like some retail therapy and buy a new book.

• fashionista: A person who is very interested in fashion and wears fashionable clothes.

  Example: My friend loves clothes; she’s a true fashionista.

Grammar Points

1. “Need to” + Verb

We use “need to” + the base form of a verb to say that something is important or necessary to do.

• Structure: Subject + need to + Base Verb
• Example from dialogue: “I really need to go clothes shopping!”
• Other examples:
  • I need to buy new shoes for work.
  • She needs to study for the test tomorrow.
  • Do you need to leave early?

2. Present Continuous for Future Plans

We use the present continuous (verb ‘to be’ + verb-ing) to talk about plans or arrangements for the near future. It’s often used when the plan is already set or agreed upon.

• Structure: Subject + am/is/are + Verb-ing
• Example from dialogue: “What are you doing this afternoon?”
• Other examples:
  • We are meeting friends for dinner tonight.
  • He is coming to the party on Saturday.
  • Are they going to the beach tomorrow?

3. Question Words: What & How

We use question words to ask for specific information.

• What: Used to ask about things, ideas, or actions.
  • Example from dialogue: “What are you doing this afternoon?”
  • Example: “What is your favorite color?”
  • Example: “What kind of clothes are you looking for?”
• How: Used to ask about the manner or way something is done, or about quantity/quality. (Not directly in dialogue, but good for shopping context).
  • Example: “How do I look in this dress?” (Asking about appearance/quality)
  • Example: “How much does it cost?” (Asking about quantity/price)

Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Use words from the box to complete the sentences: need to, looking for, don't be silly, lead the way, second opinion.

1. I ________ buy some new shoes for my trip.
2. “Is this hat good on me?” “I’m not sure, maybe get a ________.”
3. “I can’t lift this heavy box!” “________! You are very strong!”
4. What kind of book are you ________ at the library?
5. I don’t know the way to the cafe. Can you ________?

Exercise 2: Match the parts

Match the beginning of the sentence with its correct ending.

1. Alice needs to go
2. Bob thought Alice’s shopping trips
3. Alice wants a
4. Bob likes ice cream, so
5. Retail therapy is when you feel better after

a. were expensive.

b. he decided to go.

c. new top and trousers.

d. buying new things.

e. clothes shopping.

Exercise 3: Answer the Questions

Based on the dialogue, answer the following questions in complete sentences.

1. What does Alice want to do this afternoon?
2. Why does Bob not want to go shopping at first?
3. What makes Bob change his mind about going shopping?
4. What kind of clothes does Alice think about buying?

Answers