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At the supermarket checkout in English (advanced)
Advanced English for at the supermarket checkout. Key line: “Could you *ring* this *up* *separately*, by any chance?”
Full script
Lin
Could you ring this up separately, by any chance?
Them
Of course—just the flowers on their own, or the chocolate too?
Lin
Just the flowers. The chocolate's my bribe for surviving dinner with my aunt.
Them
Fair enough. In that case, I'd keep the receipt—you may need evidence.
Lin
Honestly, if this bouquet works, I'm buying the store a thank-you card next.
Them
Let's not get carried away; flowers first, diplomacy second.
Lin
Deal. And could I get cash back, or is my aunt winning already?
Them
You can, and if the flowers fail, the cash funds emergency dessert.
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
separate
✓ Could you ring this up separately?Use this to ask for a separate checkout
Natural at the register
separately
✓ on their ownUsed after the item name
Often after an item
receipt
✓ keep the receiptUseful for returns or claims
For returns or reimbursement
cash
✓ get cash backCash from your card at checkout
Common in U.S. supermarkets
Quick answers
separate: what to say in English
Say “Could you ring this up separately?” — use this to ask for a separate checkout. Natural at the register.
separately: what to say in English
Say “on their own” — used after the item name. Often after an item.
receipt: what to say in English
Say “keep the receipt” — useful for returns or claims. For returns or reimbursement.
cash: what to say in English
Say “get cash back” — cash from your card at checkout. Common in U.S. supermarkets.