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 (67 votes)

Submitted by rainer_hs on Sat, 16/11/2024 - 10:41

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The last time I make a favour when my friend want to buy the food and at the time I took a break. She was still have a project. She asked me to buy the food and I did it for her. 

Submitted by BoliVar on Tue, 12/11/2024 - 17:54

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Few month ago I make favour my new neighbour and his wife, I  watered their grass.

Submitted by BoliVar on Tue, 12/11/2024 - 17:54

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Few month ago I make favour my new neighbour and his wife, I  watered their grass.

Submitted by elenic on Fri, 01/11/2024 - 19:33

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I did a favour for my colleague this week. She is on holiday and did her work. 

Submitted by hatice2 on Fri, 30/08/2024 - 16:59

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When was the last time you did someone a favour?

I never want  a favour from anybody. I always try to do everythings by myself. However ıf someıne need a favour I did them. And the last time I did a favour  someone was whwn my sister birth . I helped her in the hospital a day

Submitted by Louise.2005 on Sat, 17/08/2024 - 11:46

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When was the last time you did someone a favour?

The last time that I did a favour for soemone was about administration stuff. My mom's job takes her too much time so I've proposed my help to print and send some papers. I gained confidence and offer her a bit free time like that so helping each other is cool!

Submitted by ubaid332 on Thu, 06/06/2024 - 08:42

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When was the last time you did someone a favour?

First of all, sorry for mentioning, the favor word spelling is incorrect in question. Please update it. I did a favor with my friend when he was out of the city and wanted to submit the assignment to the professor. He sent me his assignment, which I printed out and submitted. He was glad with this favor. Favor is a good habit if anyone require help for something because everyone in this world may need help from others but some people remind that favor again and again which is not a good habit.

Hi ubaid332,

Thanks for your comment! Actually, "favour" is the British English spelling, and this website uses British English. "Favor" is the American English spelling.

There are some other similar words, e.g. British English: colour, armour, flavour, labour. American English: color, armor, flavor, labor.

Jonathan

LearnEnglish team

Submitted by Rawan97 on Tue, 28/05/2024 - 01:16

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today, i invited my brother to eat with us but he asked me a favor, he wants me to cook for him and his friend, and i said i would if i could but i don't have enough food for you both