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

Download
Worksheet125.52 KB

Language level

Average: 4.4 (67 votes)
Do you need to improve your English speaking skills?
Join thousands of learners from around the world who are improving their English speaking skills with our live online classes and personal tutoring courses.

Submitted by Subhanullah252 on Tue, 10/01/2023 - 03:03

Permalink

2 years ago my friend. he borrowed my car to take his child to the hospital. I helped him that at times, it was a pleasure for me,

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

Permalink

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

Permalink

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

Permalink

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

Permalink

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

Permalink

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

Permalink

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

Permalink

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

Permalink

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

Permalink

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.