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B1At the Pharmacy

Stock Up on Medicines Before You Travel

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 with 'going to' to talk about preparing and buying supplies before travelling.

Article

When you plan to travel, it is important to stock up on essential medicines and health supplies. Many people are going to visit their local pharmacy to make sure they have everything they need. For example, you are going to stock up on painkillers, bandages, and allergy medicine to avoid any problems while away. Pharmacies are going to be busy this season, as people want to be ready for their trips. If you are going to travel abroad, you should also stock up on sunscreen and insect repellent. Stocking up on these items now means you won’t have to look for them later in unfamiliar places. Remember, you are going to feel more relaxed if you prepare your health supplies in advance. So, next time you plan a holiday, don’t forget to stock up on the right products at your pharmacy.

Grammar Explanation

Meaning

The phrasal verb 'stock up on' means to buy a large amount of something to keep for future use.

Grammar Note

The future with 'going to' is used to talk about planned actions or intentions in the near future, for example: 'I am going to stock up on medicine.'

Usage Tips

  • Use 'stock up on' when talking about buying supplies in preparation for an event or situation.
  • Pair 'stock up on' with nouns like medicines, food, or other essentials.
  • Use 'going to' to express your plans clearly in the future.

Examples

I am going to stock up on vitamins before the trip.

Preparing for travel

She is going to stock up on cold medicine for winter.

Seasonal preparation

We are going to stock up on sunscreen for our holiday.

Holiday supplies

They are going to stock up on bandages and antiseptic cream.

First aid preparation

He is going to stock up on allergy tablets before flying.

Travel health needs

Dialogue

Context: Two friends talk at the pharmacy about buying supplies before a holiday.

A:
Are you going to stock up on anything for your trip?
B:
Yes, I’m going to stock up on sunscreen and painkillers.
A:
Good idea. I’m going to stock up on allergy medicine because of the pollen season.
B:
Do you think we should also get some insect repellent?
A:
Definitely. We are going to need it for the evenings.
B:
Alright, let’s stock up on those now, so we won’t forget later.

Vocabulary

medicine
A substance used to treat illness or pain.
Example: I need to buy some medicine for my cold.
Synonym: medication
pharmacy
A shop where medicines are sold.
Example: I am going to the pharmacy to buy some bandages.
Synonym: drugstore
sunscreen
A cream that protects your skin from the sun.
Example: Don’t forget to use sunscreen at the beach.
Synonym: sunblock
painkiller
A medicine that reduces pain.
Example: I took a painkiller for my headache.
Synonym: analgesic
bandage
A strip of material used to cover a wound.
Example: He put a bandage on his cut finger.
Synonym: dressing
allergy
A reaction to substances that are usually harmless.
Example: She takes allergy medicine in spring.
Synonym: hypersensitivity
insect repellent
A substance used to keep insects away.
Example: We need insect repellent for the camping trip.
Synonym: bug spray
travel
To go from one place to another, especially far away.
Example: They are going to travel to Spain next month.
Synonym: journey
prepare
To make ready in advance.
Example: I am preparing my bags for the trip.
Synonym: get ready
holiday
A period of time when you are not working and can relax or travel.
Example: We are going on holiday next week.
Synonym: vacation

Tips

  • Always check the expiry dates when you stock up on medicines.
  • Make a list before going to the pharmacy to avoid forgetting important items.
  • Don’t say 'stock on'—remember the correct phrasal verb is 'stock up on'.

Summary

In this lesson, you learned how to use the phrasal verb 'stock up on' to talk about buying supplies before travelling. You also practiced using the future with 'going to' for planned actions. Now you can confidently talk about preparing medicines and health products at the pharmacy.

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