Spending and refunds B1
What it all costs, cutting back, and taking things back to the shop.
What it costs
spend money — use money to buy things or pay for servicesA: How did you spend so much money this weekend?
B: I bought some new shoes and went to the movies with friends.
total cost — full priceA: How much did your new phone really cost?
B: Well, the total cost was $800 after taxes and accessories.
cover the cost — pay for somethingA: Who’s going to cover the cost of dinner tonight?
B: Don’t worry, it’s on me.
add on — include something extraA: Is breakfast included in the price?
B: No, but you can add it on for an extra $5.
Getting a deal
save money — not spendA: Do you want to go out for dinner tonight?
B: I can't, I'm trying to save money this month.
cut costs — reduce spendingA: Why did you start cooking at home more often?
B: I wanted to cut costs and eat healthier at the same time.
Taking it back
take back — return an itemA: Did you keep the blender you bought?
B: No, I took it back. It was broken when I opened the box.
get back B2 — recover possessionA: Did you get your deposit back from the landlord?
B: Yes, but it took a few weeks.
More everyday phrasesB1 · everyday
cover expenses — pay costsA: Are you going to the conference in London?
B: I want to, but I’m not sure if I can cover all the expenses myself.
large amount — a lot (of something)A: Why are you so tired?
B: I had to do a large amount of work last night.
take advantage — use for benefitA: There’s a sale on flights this weekend.
B: Really? We should take advantage and book our tickets now.
Going furtherB2 · once the core feels easy
go through B2 — use all of somethingA: Where did all the snacks go?
B: The kids went through them during the movie.
At the till
Customer: Before I pay — what's the total cost with the gift-wrapping?
Assistant: It's a couple of pounds extra, which we add on at the end.
Customer: Fair enough. And can I take it back if it's the wrong size?
Cutting back
Ana: We really need to cut costs this month.
Sam: Agreed. If we save a bit on the weekly shop, that'll cover the cost of the trip.