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How to Talk About Choosing a Foldable Phone in English
If you're thinking about a foldable phone this week, it helps to know what to ask before you buy. Practise talking about the screen, price and other features that matter to you.
Phrases you can use
How much does it cost?
You are asking for the price.
Does it fit in my pocket?
You are asking whether the phone is small enough to go in your pocket.
I like the bigger screen.
You like that the screen is larger than another screen you are comparing it with.
Is it easy to carry?
You are asking whether the phone is comfortable and convenient to carry.
I'm not sure about the hinge.
You have some concerns about the part that lets the phone fold.
The hinge is the joint where the phone folds.
I want a phone that lasts.
You want a phone that will keep working well for a long time.
Can I try it in the shop?US: Can I try it in the store?
You are asking if you can use the phone briefly before buying it.
“Shop” is common in British English; “store” is common in American English.
Is it worth the money?
You are asking whether the phone is good enough to be worth its price.
A practice script for your level
I looked at a foldable phone in a shop. I like the bigger screen. I asked, how much does it cost? I also want to know, does it fit in my pocket? I want a phone that lasts. I'm not sure about the hinge, so I want to try it first.
I'm thinking about getting a foldable phone, but I haven't decided yet. I like the bigger screen because I often watch videos on my phone. I also want to know if it's easy to carry. Does it fit in my pocket when it's folded? Before I buy one, I'd like to ask, can I try it in the shop? I'm not sure about the hinge, and I want to see how it feels. I'll compare it with a regular phone and ask myself if it's worth the money.
I've been looking at foldable phones, but I'm still trying to work out whether one would suit me. I like the bigger screen, especially for reading and watching videos, but I don't want a phone that feels awkward to carry. Does it fit in my pocket, and can I use it comfortably with one hand? I'd like to try it in the shop before making a decision. I'm not sure about the hinge, so I'd ask how to look after it and what the warranty covers. I'd also compare the camera and battery with those on a regular phone. Of course, I'd want to know how much it costs. I want a phone that lasts, so I'd take my time and think about whether it's worth the money.
Common mistakes
Instead of How much it costs?
Say How much does it cost?
In a direct question, use “does” before the subject and the base form “cost”.
Instead of I have a doubt about how the hinge works.
Say I have a question about how the hinge works.
In international English, “doubt” usually means uncertainty rather than a question.
This lesson was prepared with the help of AI and reviewed by the Cuenook team.