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Lucas21c Posted 10 years ago
Grammar

Natural expressions

Could you tell me which one is right and natural among the following expressions? Also, can I replace the underlined 'change' with 'exchange' of them? Thank you

1A. Can you break this bill?
1B. Can I change this bill into coins?
1C. Can I have change for this bill?

2A. Can I get some change for these coins into the bills?
2B. Can I change these coins into the bills?
  

Top answer

The most common, natural expression for the first expression is 1C: Can I have change for this bill? ) The next most common (but more informal) expression would be 1A: Can you break this bill [for me]? None of the second expressions are clear or natural.

— Doctor D

  • The most common, natural expression for the first expression is 1C: Can I have change for this bill?
  • ) The next most common (but more informal) expression would be 1A: Can you break this bill [for me]?
  • None of the second expressions are clear or natural.
  • ] bills for these coins?
  • ] bills?
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2 Answers
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The most common, natural expression for the first expression is
1C: Can I have change for this bill? (OR: Can you give me change for this bill?)
The next most common (but more informal) expression would be
1A: Can you break this bill [for me]?

None of the second expressions are clear or natural.
Instead, I would say
Can you give me [dollar?] bills for these coins?
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We would use 'note' rather than 'bill' in BrE.
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