DID YOU COMPARE THE PRICES BEFORE BUYING THE LAPTOP?

When we want to buy something expensive, like a laptop, it’s important to compare the prices in different stores or websites. This helps us find the best deal. The question “Did you compare the prices before buying the laptop?” uses the past simple tense, because it asks about something that happened in the past.

This topic helps learners understand how to talk about past decisions, shopping habits, and making comparisons.

Examples:

Did you compare the prices before buying your phone?
Yes, I checked three different stores.
No, I didn’t. I bought it quickly and paid more.

🧠 GRAMMAR FOCUS

🔹 Past Simple Questions (with “Did”)

Structure:
Did + subject + base verb + …?

Did you compare the prices?
Did she check other stores?

Short answers:

Yes, I did.
No, I didn’t.

🔹 Past Simple Statements

I compared three prices before buying the laptop.
She didn’t check the website.

Structure:
Subject + past verb / didn’t + base verb

🔹 Comparatives and Superlatives

This laptop is cheaper than that one.
It was the most expensive option.

🔹 Future Forms: Will / Going to

I will compare prices next time.
We are going to check more stores.

🔹 Modal Verbs

You should compare prices before buying.
You mustn’t buy without checking.

🔹 Adverbs of Frequency

I usually compare prices online.
He never checks prices.

📚 VOCABULARY (10 Words)

Word	Definition
Compare	To look at two or more things to find differences or similarities
Price	The amount of money something costs
Deal	A good offer or price
Discount	A lower price than usual
Receipt	A paper that shows what you paid
Product	An item you can buy or sell
Store	A place where you can buy things
Expensive	Something that costs a lot of money
Cheap	Something that does not cost much
Brand	The company that makes a product

💬 USEFUL EXPRESSIONS

Did you get a good deal?
It was cheaper at the other store.
I looked at three websites before buying.
The price was better online.
Next time, you should compare more options.
This brand is more reliable.
I bought it on sale.

📝 SENTENCES

✅ Positive:

I compared prices before I bought the laptop.
She found a cheaper option online.

❌ Negative:

I didn’t compare prices and paid too much.
They didn’t check the reviews either.

❓ Questions:

Did you compare the prices before buying the laptop?
Where did you find the best deal?

💬 Answers:

Yes, I did. I checked three different websites.
No, I didn’t. I bought it in a hurry.

🗣️ CONVERSATION

Daniel: Hey! Nice laptop. Is it new?
Lena: Yes, I just bought it last week.
Daniel: Cool! Did you compare the prices before buying it?
Lena: Of course! I checked two websites and one physical store.
Daniel: And? Was it cheaper online?
Lena: Yes! The online store gave a 20% discount.
Daniel: That’s smart. I didn’t compare prices last time, and I overpaid.
Lena: Oh no! You should always check before buying.
Daniel: Lesson learned. I’ll be more careful next time.
Lena: Good! You can save a lot by comparing.

📖 READING

Title: Smart Shopping: Comparing Prices

Carlos wanted to buy a new laptop for work. He visited one store, and the price was $950. Before buying it, he decided to check other options. He went online and found the same laptop for $800. Then, he visited another store that offered a student discount and sold it for $750.

He compared the prices carefully. In the end, he bought the laptop from the store with the student discount. He saved $200 because he took the time to compare.

Carlos now tells all his friends: “You should always compare prices before you buy anything expensive!”