Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to express prices in British English! Whether you are a language learner, a traveler, or simply curious about the nuances of British English, this guide aims to provide you with a range of vocabulary and phrases to help you confidently discuss prices in both formal and informal settings.
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions for Prices
When it comes to formal situations, it is important to use precise and clear language to convey prices effectively. Here are some common formal expressions:
1. British Pounds
When discussing prices, the most common currency used in Britain is the British Pound (£). Here are some examples:
- £9.99 – Nine pounds and ninety-nine pence
- £500 – Five hundred pounds
- £1,250.75 – One thousand, two hundred and fifty pounds, seventy-five pence
2. Pence
The smaller units of currency in Britain are pence (p). Here’s how to express prices that include pence:
- £0.99 – Ninety-nine pence
- £1.50 – One pound and fifty pence
- £5.75 – Five pounds and seventy-five pence
3. Fractions and Decimals
For prices that include fractions or decimals, use the following format:
- £2.20 – Two pounds and twenty pence
- £3.75 – Three pounds and seventy-five pence
- £6.50 – Six pounds and fifty pence
4. Conveying Discounts or Sales
When expressing discounts or prices during sales, you can use phrases like:
- 50% off – Half price or half off
- Price reduction of 20% – A 20% discount
- 2 for £10 – Get two items for ten pounds
Informal Expressions for Prices
Informal situations might allow for more flexibility and colloquial expressions when discussing prices. Here are some informal phrases commonly used:
1. Bucks and Quid
“Bucks” and “quid” are slang terms frequently used to refer to pounds in British English. Here are some examples:
- £9.99 – Nine ninety-nine / Ten bucks
- £500 – Five hundred quid
- £1,250.75 – One-two-five-oh-seventy-five / Twelve fifty-seventy-five
2. ‘s’ for Pence
In informal speech, native speakers often drop the word “pence” and add an ‘s’ at the end of the number of pence. For example:
- £0.99 – Ninety-nine pee
- £1.50 – One pound fifty
- £5.75 – Five seventy-five
3. Using “a Score”
In some informal contexts, native speakers use the word “score” to mean 20 pounds. Here’s an example:
- £60 – Three score
Regional Variations
While British English is broadly consistent across regions, there are some variations in the way prices are expressed in different areas of the British Isles. Here are a few examples:
1. Scotland
In some parts of Scotland, you might come across the usage of the word “bawbee” which means a halfpenny. For example:
It only costs thruppence, a bawbee, and a bawbee!
2. Ireland
In Ireland, the Euro (€) is also commonly used alongside the British Pound. Here’s an example of expressing prices:
- €9.99 – Nine euro ninety-nine / Ten euro
- €500 – Five hundred euro
- €1,250.75 – One thousand, two hundred and fifty euro, seventy-five cent
It’s worth noting that these variations are adapations of the standard British English expressions and may not be universally understood.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have reached the end of our guide on how to say prices in British English. We hope this comprehensive list of formal and informal expressions has provided you with the tools you need to confidently discuss prices in a variety of contexts.
Remember, the formal expressions are generally appropriate for most situations, whereas the informal phrases can add a touch of colloquialism in appropriate circumstances. Lastly, be mindful of regional variations, incorporating them only if you find yourself interacting directly with individuals from those specific regions.
We wish you every success in your language learning journey or upcoming visit to the United Kingdom!
