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 (65 votes)

Submitted by Gizmoist on Mon, 10/01/2022 - 12:46

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I remember one time that I did my colleague a favour. He wanted to switch his job and he must have attend the job review.
However, he didn't want to inform the boss about it. So he asked me a favour if I could arrange a fake meeting with him. I had arranged a fake meeting at the time when the job review took place. I gave him some space and privacy at the office :) In the end of job review, he got the job and thanked me a lot.

Submitted by Myat Moe on Tue, 04/01/2022 - 09:17

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It's my brother again. Just this morning, he asked me if I could pour a glass of water for him. And I make him pay me 5 bucks for this.

Submitted by Suraj paliwal on Wed, 01/12/2021 - 13:52

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I'm not remember when I give a favour to anyone.

Submitted by ANOUAR on Tue, 23/11/2021 - 10:37

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I always do favours to people,I've just verify some numbers with my colleague in work when she said to me have you got a minute, I need a favour ?
I said : I'm not sure if I could
she said : Is there any chance you could work late ?
I said : I would If I could but I cant !

Submitted by LamVanPhuong on Fri, 22/10/2021 - 13:33

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I am not really remember but i often ask a favour from others

Submitted by Starting on Sat, 02/10/2021 - 08:44

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I like giving someone a favor

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Submitted by Kadir on Fri, 10/09/2021 - 20:20

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My colleague Andy asks me if I can make a favour for her about to finish her work. And every time I help her so as not upset her.

Submitted by KarenAvdalyan on Mon, 30/08/2021 - 11:44

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My Manager asked me to do the task with a high priority until the next day.
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Submitted by Rafaela1 on Sun, 27/06/2021 - 15:24

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Useful, thank you! :)

Submitted by maximumjeff on Sat, 26/06/2021 - 08:30

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I just did a favour to my wife awhile ago to help dry up her long hair with the new hairdryer