grocery store

Meaning

A grocery store is a shop where people buy food and other everyday household items. It is the most common place to purchase fresh produce, meat, dairy products, and packaged goods.

Examples

• I need to stop by the grocery store on my way home to get some milk.

  I need to stop by the grocery store on my way home to get some milk.

• Is there a cheap grocery store near your apartment?

  Is there a cheap grocery store near your apartment?

• The grocery store is always crowded on Sunday afternoons.

  The grocery store is always crowded on Sunday afternoons.

• We bought some fresh strawberries at the local grocery store.

  We bought some fresh strawberries at the local grocery store.

• She works as a cashier at the grocery store down the street.

  She works as a cashier at the grocery store down the street.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I need to buy food at the market of groceries.

  ✓ I need to buy food at the grocery store.

  The phrase 'market of groceries' is a literal translation from other languages. In English, we use the compound noun 'grocery store' or simply 'supermarket'.

• ✗ I am going to the grocery to buy apples.

  ✓ I am going to the grocery store to buy apples.

  While some native speakers colloquially say 'the grocery' or 'the groceries', 'grocery store' is the standard, clear term that learners should use.

Related Expressions

Practice

• We don't have any eggs, so I have to go to the ___.

  💡 A shop where you buy food and household goods.

  Show answer

  grocery store

• The local ___ has a very good selection of fresh vegetables.

  💡 The place where you buy fresh produce and bread.

  Show answer

  grocery store