← Back to lessons
B1At the Supermarket

How to Stock Up on Essentials at the Supermarket

Phrasal Verb: stock up on |Grammar: Future with Going To

Objective

Students will learn how to use the phrasal verb 'stock up on' and the future tense with 'going to' to talk about buying supplies in bulk at the supermarket.

Article

When you plan to save money or prepare for busy days, you might decide to stock up on some important items at the supermarket. Many people are going to stock up on canned foods, rice, and pasta because these last a long time. Next week, I am going to stock up on fruits and vegetables to stay healthy. Some families are going to stock up on cleaning supplies and toiletries before the big sale. It is a smart idea to think about what you need and then decide what you are going to stock up on. That way, you will not run out of important things and you can avoid many trips to the store. Remember, when you stock up on items, you buy more than usual, so it is good to plan ahead. This week, I am going to stock up on snacks for the kids, and next week, I am going to stock up on drinks for the party.

Grammar Explanation

Meaning

To 'stock up on' something means to buy a large amount of it to use later.

Grammar Note

The future with 'going to' is used to talk about plans or intentions in the future. It is formed by 'be' + 'going to' + verb.

Usage Tips

  • Use 'stock up on' when talking about buying things in large quantities.
  • Combine 'going to' with 'stock up on' to describe future plans.
  • Remember that 'stock up on' usually refers to supplies or essentials.

Examples

I am going to stock up on bread and milk for the week.

Planning to buy basic food supplies

She is going to stock up on cleaning products before the holidays.

Buying cleaning items in advance

We are going to stock up on snacks for the children’s party.

Preparing snacks ahead of an event

They are going to stock up on bottled water in case of an emergency.

Buying water to be ready for unexpected situations

He is going to stock up on canned vegetables for quick meals.

Buying canned food for convenience

Dialogue

Context: Two friends talk about their plans to buy supplies at the supermarket.

A:
I’m going to stock up on some pasta and sauce this weekend.
B:
Good idea! I’m going to stock up on cleaning products too.
A:
Are you going to buy a lot at once?
B:
Yes, I want to avoid going to the store every day.
A:
Me too. I’m also going to stock up on snacks for the kids.
B:
Sounds like a smart plan. Let’s shop together!

Vocabulary

Bulk
A large quantity of something
Example: Buying in bulk is often cheaper at the supermarket.
Synonym: Mass
Supplies
Items needed for a particular purpose
Example: We need to buy cleaning supplies for the house.
Synonym: Stock
Essentials
Necessary items
Example: Milk and bread are daily essentials for many families.
Synonym: Basics
Plan
To decide what to do in the future
Example: I plan to shop early to avoid crowds.
Synonym: Prepare
Sale
A period when prices are reduced
Example: The supermarket has a sale on snacks this week.
Synonym: Discount
Stock
To have a supply of something available
Example: The shop stocks fresh fruit every day.
Synonym: Inventory
Avoid
To keep away from or prevent
Example: I want to avoid long queues at the supermarket.
Synonym: Evade
Emergency
A sudden and serious situation needing immediate action
Example: People often stock up on water in case of emergency.
Synonym: Crisis
Convenience
Something that makes life easier or more comfortable
Example: Canned food offers convenience when cooking quickly.
Synonym: Ease
Snack
A small amount of food eaten between meals
Example: The kids asked for snacks after school.
Synonym: Treat

Tips

  • Make a shopping list before you go to help you decide what to stock up on.
  • Use 'going to' to talk about your shopping plans clearly.
  • Don’t confuse 'stock up on' with just buying a little; it means buying a large amount.

Summary

In this lesson, you learned how to use the phrasal verb 'stock up on' to talk about buying supplies in bulk. You also practised using the future tense with 'going to' to describe plans at the supermarket. Now you can confidently discuss your shopping intentions and prepare for future needs.

← Back to all lessons