Asking a favour

In this video, Noelia asks Paul for some help. Listen to the language Noelia uses to ask a favour and practise saying the useful phrases.

Do the preparation exercise first. Then watch the video and do the exercises to check your understanding and practise the language.

Transcript

Ana: Hi! I'm Ana. Welcome to What to Say!

Do you know what to say when you want to ask a favour? Listen out for useful language for asking a favour. Then, we'll practise saying the new phrases – after this.

 

Noelia: Paul, have you got a minute? I need a favour.

Paul: I'm a bit busy, but sure, what can I help you with?

Noelia: So, you know the branding job for Active Arctic?

Paul: Of course. It was so good to finally finish that project. It went on and on and on … 

Noelia: Yeah, so … look, I'm really sorry about this, but they want some more changes made.

Paul: Seriously? I've already rewritten that copy, I don't know, like, 20 times?

Noelia: I know. I'm so sorry. Would you be able to work on it this afternoon?

Paul: Well, I'm not really sure if I can, Noelia. I'm finishing the Moosh Monkey social media campaign and they're expecting it by the end of the day.

Noelia: I'd forgotten about that. Is there any chance you could work late tonight?

Paul: Sorry, Noelia. I would if I could, but I can't.

Noelia: Please?

Paul: I'm taking my niece to the cinema for her birthday. It's been planned for ages.

Noelia: OK. Well, then could you come in early tomorrow? I'll make it up to you!

Paul: OK. How?

Noelia: Name your price.

Paul: An extra day's holiday?

Noelia: Can you get in for 5 a.m.?

Paul: 7 a.m.

Noelia: 6 a.m.

Paul: Deal.

Noelia: Deal.

 

Ana: Hello again! Looks like that's an early start for Paul tomorrow, then! So, did you notice the useful phrases used for asking a favour? Listen to me and then repeat. 

 

Have you got a minute?

I need a favour.

What can I help you with?

I'm really sorry about this, but they want some changes. 

Would you be able to work this afternoon?

I'm not really sure if I can.

Is there any chance you could work late?

I would if I could, but I can't.

 

Ana: Try and use some of these phrases the next time you want to ask a favour in English. Bye for now!

Discussion

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Average: 4.4 (64 votes)

Submitted by nancyvirginiare on Wed, 13/01/2021 - 20:13

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Was a few weeks ago. I was coming to USA from Panama and my syster asked me to bring her some things that she had fogotten in Panama.

Submitted by tmzch on Sun, 10/01/2021 - 19:37

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It was two weeks before the Christmas. My chief needed my help for wrote important thing in short time. I worked hardly even after job hours until New Year.

Submitted by Joesph on Wed, 06/01/2021 - 14:33

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Im asked my wife a favor to speak with me English all the time to increase my English skills and vocabulary, But she always forget that, and that's make me furious.

Submitted by YewandeAdeosun on Fri, 25/12/2020 - 18:34

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Yesterday. I had to go out of my comfort zone to help my mom send some parcels

Submitted by YewandeAdeosun on Fri, 25/12/2020 - 18:33

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Yesterday. I had to travel a long distance because someone asked me as a favor

Submitted by estefanyk212 on Mon, 21/12/2020 - 16:00

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The last time that I made a favour was the last week that I had to help to a person from my job with a final report.

Submitted by Kp on Thu, 17/12/2020 - 15:19

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It’s been while i didn’t give favour anyone but the last time, I helped my friend with his college assignment because he was working on that day.

Submitted by Ekowe on Wed, 16/12/2020 - 04:54

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i did a favour to my leader of medical team. She must write a report but she hadn't all data to this report. She please me to write it for her yerstayday.

Submitted by Thu Ha Nguyen on Mon, 07/12/2020 - 14:10

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My boss just asked me if I drive to the office on Thursday, even though I have a class at the university. I determined to refuse it. Because I don´t want to miss the class. Work is not as important as my study.