“Uh, I'm looking for a gift for my wife.”

English Lesson: Uh, I'm looking for a gift for my wife.

You're looking at some items in a boutique. The salesperson asks if you need any help. You explain what you're shopping for.

Uh, I'm looking for a gift for my wife.

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uh

English speakers use the sound "uh" when they're not exactly sure what to say next. You can use it in many different locations in a sentence:

Uh, yeah, I think that's right.

You, uh, soak the beans overnight, and then you cook them for, uh, for about two hours.

It was, uh, uh, last December, I think.

People don't usually say "uh" on purpose. It's a habit which can be annoying if someone over-uses it. If someone wants to sound very intelligent, they may try to train themselves not to use "uh" as much.

I'm looking for (something)

You can use the phrase "looking for ___" when someone is shopping and wants to find something that fits their needs or tastes.

I'm looking for a new pair of boots.

A: Are you looking for anything in particular?

B: No, I'm just looking around.

a gift

In English, we use both "gift" and "present" to talk about something special that you give to another person to show your care for them.

I got you a present!

We should get him a gift.

The word "gift" is a little more formal, while you might use "present" when talking to a child.