How to Borrow a Book at the Library｜Practical English Conversation
Izumi English Morning
Sending a Package at the Post Office｜Practical English for Procedures
Izumi
When traveling abroad, there are situations where I may need to send souvenirs or my belongings back to Japan through the post office.
This is particularly useful when carrying large items is inconvenient, or when I want to deliver a gift to family or friends. Being able to say “I’d like to send this package” in English is very handy in such cases.
Here, I will introduce practical English phrases that can be used when sending a package at the post office, along with clear explanations of the grammar points involved.
Contents
Dialogue
Hello. How can I help you?
Hi, I’d like to send this package to Japan.
Sure. Do you want standard or express shipping?
Express, please. How much will it cost?
It’ll be $45. Would you like to add insurance?
Yes, please. That would be great.
Okay. Please fill out this form.
All right. Thank you.
Grammar and Expression Points
1. Polite Requests: I’d like to ～
The phrase “I’d like to + verb” politely expresses a desire to do something.
- I’d like to buy some stamps.
- I’d like to open a bank account.
In everyday conversation, “I’d like to～” is natural, while the full form “I would like to～” can sound clearer and more formal. Compared to “I want to～,” it is softer and more polite, making it more suitable for service encounters.
2. Confirming Shipping Methods: Do you want A or B?
At the post office, I may be asked to choose a shipping method. The structure “Do you want A or B?” is commonly used.
In this dialogue:
- standard shipping = slower but cheaper
- express shipping = faster but more expensive
This is a useful pattern to remember when making quick choices while traveling.
3. Asking About the Cost: How much will it cost?
The phrase “How much will it cost?” is used to politely inquire about expenses.
Here, “will” expresses something that will happen in the future (the cost that will be charged). The verb cost is used in its sense of “to require payment.”
4. Offering Options Politely: Would you like to ～?
The phrase “Would you like to～?” is ideal when offering choices or confirming someone’s preference.
In the dialogue: “Would you like to add insurance?” = “Do you want to add insurance coverage?”
At the post office, insurance may be suggested for valuable or fragile items.
5. Asking Someone to Complete a Form: Please fill out this form.
When sending a package, I am often required to write details such as the destination, sender, and contents on a form.
- Please fill out this form.
- Please fill in your name and address.
Usage tip:
- fill out = complete the entire form
- fill in = write specific information in certain fields
- For just one detail, write or enter may also be used.
Summary
- I’d like to send this package.
→ A polite and soft request. - Do you want standard or express shipping?
→ A common phrase for confirming shipping methods. - How much will it cost?
→ A polite way to ask about the fee. - Would you like to add insurance?
→ A respectful offer often used for optional services. - Please fill out this form.
→ A practical phrase used at post offices, hotels, and immigration counters.
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「English Morning｜基礎から学ぶ英語講座」を運営している泉（Izumi）です。このサイトでは基礎から応用まで、英語の文法を解説しています。
