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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Language level

Average: 4.4 (67 votes)

Submitted by khalid muhammed on Thu, 30/06/2022 - 09:06

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The last time I give a favour is this morning, I came to the company to do my office job, but some of the workers asked if I can help him move some things, we landed a cupboard downstairs, also moved many computers to another room, but for me helping people gives me pleasure.

Submitted by has__sah18 on Wed, 29/06/2022 - 15:22

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Actualy i'm not used to ask somone's help, but i am always open to help.

Submitted by vl_ds on Mon, 20/06/2022 - 10:33

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Yes , I’m really helpful. I’m glad to help someone who really needs it right now.
Last time it was the friend of mine, he asked me how to use Photoshop program. So I explained him the basics

Submitted by Crane_Eliza on Tue, 14/06/2022 - 09:04

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Early this morning one of the workers came and asked me if I could give him some money in advance.

Submitted by alevegaa on Fri, 10/06/2022 - 05:48

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The last time that I did a favour was last sunday for my mom

Submitted by Bersserk on Fri, 03/06/2022 - 18:06

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I asked a favor my boss yesterday, to let me go home early.

Profile picture for user Estefanilore

Submitted by Estefanilore on Fri, 03/06/2022 - 03:49

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The last time that I did a favour was in the morning for my husband,

Submitted by EMF_12 on Wed, 01/06/2022 - 23:59

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The last time I gave favour to someone was a month ago when my aunt wanted some photographs that I had on my computer. She also said it was a special gift for my grandmother's birthday. So, I searched for the photos she asked for, and after a couple of hours, I found them. After that, we made a video with that pictures and showed it at the family meeting. It was a special moment.

Submitted by Van wong on Tue, 24/05/2022 - 05:26

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I got a favor from a foreigner at Ocean Park some years ago. They were helpful and kind.