“Actually, can I get plastic instead?”

English Lesson: Actually, can I get plastic instead?

You're checking out a supermarket. The cashier starts putting your groceries in a paper bag. You'd rather have your groceries in a plastic bag instead. You quickly say this.

Actually, can I get plastic instead?

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Actually, (sentence)

Use this to tell people something that's unexpected or different from what they are expecting to hear:

Wow, this is actually pretty good.

Actually, I'm looking to switch careers.

Actually it's been kind of slow this week.

"Actually," is really useful for correcting people. For example, if you're putting a puzzle together with someone and they put a piece in the wrong place, say:

Actually, the blue piece goes over here.

a plastic bag

Most grocery stores in the U.S. offer you a choice between paper bags and plastic bags. Cashiers will often ask the customer:

Paper or plastic?

When you're in the checkout line at a grocery store, "paper" and "plastic" usually refer to paper and plastic bags.

can I get (something)

This is one good way to ask for something from a cashier, waiter, hotel clerk, flight attendant, etc.:

Can I get a glass of water?

Can I get an extra pillow?

Can I get change for a twenty?