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Question

in a supermarket, the items i bought are all checked out when i found that receipt read &60 for the item i thought was $40.

So i want to say to the cashier : "I think it is read as $60."
Is it right to say?
what about "It is read for $60."

in a book store, i want to get one book, which is a used book.
in this case, can i say "Can i get this one for used book?"
" Can i get this one as used book?"
"Can i get this one as used?"
"Can i get this one in used? "

Please let me know if it is correct or akward and how it should be corrected. Thank you

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BarbaraPA · Accepted Answer

Hi eunjinny, and welcome to English Forums. We're glad to have you with us.

"Excuse me -- did that just scan for $60?"
"Excuse me -- did I just see this come up as $60?"

"Do you have this title in your used-book collection?"

Eunjinny · Answer

Can I say "did you see this come up for $60?" instead of using as?

"scan for $60."- what does ' for' mean here? I'd like to know whether the object of this sentence is $40 or 'the item' that i bought.

Thanks

Cbsteh · Answer

I think you should avoid using "read" in your case because it is like explaining to the cashier how to understand/read the receipt when what you want is really to say something like: "This receipt says that I am charged $60 for this item. I thought it was only $40, not $60." or "According to this receipt, this item is $60. I thought it should be $40."

If you want to look for a used book, you can say "May I get a used copy of this book?" or "Do you have a used copy of this book?"

Chris

BarbaraPA · Answer

Oh yes, "a used copy" is much more natural. Much better than my suggestion.

I wasn't sure if we were talking about when you stand there and watch the items being scanned so you can see the price flash on the screen, or when you review your receipt afterwards.

Cbsteh · Answer

Thanks, GG. I just realised that "a used copy" could also be "a second-hand copy".

Chris

Eunjinny · Answer

I'd like to know how each sentences interpreted in the native speaker's sight?
(the worker in the bookstore already knows the title of the book I want to get.)
1."Can I have this book as a used book?"
2."Can I have this book for a used one?"
3."Can I have used book of this book?"
4" Can I have used book for this book?"

Thank you.

BarbaraPA · Answer

eunjinnyI'd like to know how each sentences interpreted in the native speaker's sight?
(the worker in the bookstore already knows the title of the book I want to get.)
1."Can I have this book as a used book?"
2."Can I have this book for a used one?"
3."Can I have used book of this book?"
4" Can I have used book for this book?"

Thank you.

They are all unnatural.

#1 sounds like you are asking if they will give you the used-book price for the book you are holding in your hand.

#2 sounds like you want to give them a used book to trade for the book in your hand

#3 and #4 are ungrammatical and require an article.

#3 with an article: "a used book of this book" - unnatural. A used (or second-hand) copy of this book. This is what you are looking for. Can I have a used/second-hand copy of this book?

#4 with an article: A used book for this book: Sounds like you want to give them the book in your hand an get a used book in exchange.

Eunjinny · Answer

Thanks for the answers.

I have him for a friend.
What does it mean, then?
Is it OK to say I have him as a friend?

BarbaraPA · Answer

It's a bit odd.

He's my friend is more common, simple, and direct.

If you like someone in the romantic sense and he doesn't return your feeling, you could say "I'm just happy to have him as a friend, even if he doesn't want to be my boyfriend."

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