How I Said “Check” Instead of “Receipt” in a Hardware Store

By Robby

If you are new here please read this first.

I’ve been an English fluency mentor for a good few years now, but it doesn’t mean I speak in English perfectly at all times.

You see, I’m an active proponent of letting it go when speaking in English which invariably involves making a few mistakes here and there, and there’s nothing wrong when a person capable of speaking fluent English says something wrong.

In this particular situation I was paying for goods in a hardware store, and I wanted to ask the cashier for a receipt. Instead of using the word “receipt”, however, I worded the request the following way: “Can I have a check, please?”

Needless to say, I corrected myself immediately after saying the wrong phrase – “Can I have the receipt, please?” is the proper way of asking for a proof of purchase at a till (the word “check” is used when you’re in a restaurant).

Was a feeling bad about confusing the cashier though?

Not at the slightest! 🙂

You see, it’s only human to make mistakes and if we were to analyze our speech to a degree that we wouldn’t make a single mistake when speaking, it would become way too slow, hesitant and unnatural.

It’s much better to give your fluency free reign (meaning – to allow words to flow freely from your mouth), improvise when speaking and not freak out when making a couple mistakes here and there.

That’s pretty much the only way you can learn the English language to fluency! 🙂

Robby

P.S. Would you like to find out why I’m highlighting some of the text in red? Read this article and you’ll learn why it’s so important to learn idiomatic expressions and how it will help you to improve your spoken English!

P.S.S. Are you serious about your spoken English improvement? Check out my English Harmony System HERE!

P.S. Are you serious about your spoken English improvement? Check out the English Harmony System HERE!