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: 4.5 (47 votes)

Submitted by arc88 on Fri, 30/12/2022 - 14:42

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Very good video! It is funny!

Profile picture for user s'aws'an

Submitted by s'aws'an on Wed, 28/12/2022 - 10:51

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ummm ,i think the last time was when i got out earlly in the morning to meet a colleage in the librery for a revision help session in order to prepare for the exam .

Submitted by Rachel31 on Wed, 07/12/2022 - 07:42

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Last month a friend asked me a favour, he asked if I could get him a ticket for AM

Submitted by ryhn on Fri, 02/09/2022 - 12:45

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it was yestarday someone came to where I work and his internet hasn't had I shared my internet with him because he would pay as mobile.

Submitted by vanviet1603 on Fri, 19/08/2022 - 07:41

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I remember that the last time I did a favor to my soldier who asked to borrow my smartphone to contact his wife.

Submitted by Nandar Su Hlaing on Wed, 10/08/2022 - 11:15

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I did a favor one of my friend last year. You know we face covid second wave the whole country, my friend who lives alone was suffered covid. So I cooked the meals for her and buying medicine what she needs and delivered to her on time. I supported her for nearly a couple of week. After that she recovered, I really pleased helping my friend.

Submitted by CrystalAeint on Wed, 13/07/2022 - 03:53

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The last time i did a favour for someone is years ago before my best friend move to another country. She ask me a favour, is was to adopt her puppy and you know i love puppy so i agreed to it. Now is been 3 year i haven't been seen my best friend and i really miss her, But i still caring the puppy she give to me is was now become a big dog so i still doing her a favour.

Submitted by criss_bauza on Wed, 06/07/2022 - 14:19

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When was the last time you did someone a favour?
I don't remember when I did a big favour someone.

Submitted by alexiamontes2004 on Fri, 01/07/2022 - 01:41

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When was the last time you did someone a favor?

It was a few days ago when I did my aunt the favor of taking care of her children because she had a commitment.

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.