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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Submitted by niina27 on Mon, 05/02/2024 - 07:59

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I did someone a favor was yesterday. I help my elder sister run successfully her code about machine learning. She make nothing. I used to such a situation, because in my hometown, say Thanks is strange between relatives.
Hum.

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Submitted by JERRY ELEVEN on Mon, 08/01/2024 - 10:01

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When I was at School Studing 8 Grade my Sister Wants That I help she With her homework But she doesn't make nothing, I say That: sorry Sister, I am really busy now With my other works, was bad because I lie. Nextly, she forgive me.

Submitted by fr_mazza on Fri, 08/12/2023 - 16:00

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Actually I don't like to ask someone for a favour but next time I'll definetly have more words and expressions to try to do it

Submitted by Toan3002 on Thu, 30/11/2023 - 01:33

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The last time I had a favor, I helped my friend stick the meal in the dormitory.

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Submitted by Lingaung on Sun, 26/11/2023 - 22:55

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Last week, my co-worker was unable to come to work and asked me to finish his assignment. I completed it for him.

Submitted by Passion on Thu, 09/11/2023 - 23:24

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My sister and mom wanted to eat some Korean style meal for dinner, and asked me to buy and bring it when coming back home. At that time I was so exhausted after work, but I did them a favor.

Submitted by Bridget.bui on Thu, 05/10/2023 - 03:29

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The last time, I did someone a favour was when my colleague asked me to take a day off because her son got sick and she had to take care of him.

Submitted by Soufiane on Sun, 24/09/2023 - 12:05

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I asked my nephew for a favor yesterday, I asked him to drop me off at my house.

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Submitted by Luis Fernando … on Sat, 16/09/2023 - 22:42

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The last time when someone asked me a favor was yesterday. I helped my neighbor to clean his yard