What to say when someone asks you in English where the toothbrushes are in a drugstore
While you shop in a drugstore, a traveler suddenly speaks to you in English. They seem to be looking for toothbrushes. What will you do?
The labels "Natural", "Gets across" and "Off track" and the one-line reasons are also written by AI as a rough guide. They are not guaranteed to be correct.
The scenes, directions, shop layouts and dishes are made up for practice. They do not match real places.
Exchange 1 of 3
They
Excuse me. Do you know where the toothbrushes are?
The first line changes a little with each person
- Emma Sumimasen! I looked for the toothbrushes by myself, but I can't find them. Do you know where they are?
- Grace Hi there! I forgot my toothbrush. Silly me! Do you know where the toothbrushes are?
- Leo Hey, excuse me. I travel light, so I need a toothbrush. Do you know where they are?
- James Excuse me, I'm sorry to bother you. I left my toothbrush at the last hotel. Do you know where the toothbrushes are?
Example replies and how they sound
I think they're in the next aisle.
Natural This sounds natural. An "aisle" is the walkway between shelves, and "I think" shows you are not completely sure.
Yes, I brush my teeth every day.
Off track This does not answer the question. They asked where the toothbrushes are.
Over there.
Gets across This works if you point. The full sentence "I think they're over there." sounds softer.
Exchange 2 of 3
They
Thanks. And do they sell umbrellas here?
Example replies and how they sound
Maybe. I don't know.
Gets across This works, but it leaves them unsure what to do next. It is kinder to add where they might be.
I'm not sure, but they might be near the entrance.
Natural This sounds natural. "Might be" lets you make a guess without sounding certain.
No, it's not raining now.
Off track This does not answer the question. They asked whether the store sells umbrellas.
Exchange 3 of 3
They
Okay, I'll take a look. Thank you for your help!
Example replies and how they sound
Yes, I do.
Off track This is not a reply to thanks. "Yes, I do." answers a "Do you ...?" question.
No problem. I hope you find them.
Natural This sounds natural. "I hope you find them." shows that you care.
OK. Bye.
Gets across This works, but it sounds a little short. Saying "No problem." or "You're welcome." first is friendlier.
The closing line
They
Thanks. Have a good day!
Useful phrases for this scene
- I think they're in the next aisle.
- I'm not sure, but they might be near the entrance.
- I hope you find them.
- Sorry, could you repeat that?
The lines were written by AI. They have not been checked by a native English speaker.
The scenes, directions, shop layouts and dishes are made up for practice. They do not match real places.
The notes, the name origins and the characters' personalities were also written by AI. The notes and name origins were compared with dictionaries by AI, but they have not been checked by a native English speaker or a specialist. Some names have more than one explanation of their origin. The people are fictional.
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