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 (102 votes)
Profile picture for user salimoo

Submitted by salimoo on Wed, 05/11/2025 - 08:28

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Yes, yesterday I did a favor for my friend in our class.

Submitted by Triglace on Mon, 03/11/2025 - 21:32

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Last week, One of my colleagues asked me a favor. He wanted me to do more tests on his projet. I declined his request because he had a lot of free-time.

Profile picture for user Alberic_scrm

Submitted by Alberic_scrm on Fri, 17/10/2025 - 20:05

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Sure, that was yesterday. I had given some help to my collegue about statistical analysis for his thesis. It's weird, but i liked that. 

Submitted by Merlin on Fri, 17/10/2025 - 18:04

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I would say this morning. I've helped one of my friends to make a canva for a concert pass.

Submitted by Kevin AGONGNON on Fri, 17/10/2025 - 17:15

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The last time I did someone a favour was last week. I helped my friend with his project

Submitted by bety_ on Thu, 16/10/2025 - 02:14

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It was last Monday, I sacrificed the whole day to help my sister make a video related to a project at her work.

Profile picture for user Orcklyx_Anato

Submitted by Orcklyx_Anato on Sat, 11/10/2025 - 16:23

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It was a month ago, I asked to one of my friend to give me his connexion informations for Netflix. I wanted to watch somm movies because I was annoying.

Profile picture for user rahafabbadi

Submitted by rahafabbadi on Sat, 27/09/2025 - 17:53

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today in the dentist clinic , I moved my seating from a single sofa to a multi-seater sofa to allow a man to sit instead of me .

Profile picture for user sdk.hlms

Submitted by sdk.hlms on Sun, 21/09/2025 - 09:43

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Before starting to study, i helped my elder sister find a breakfast place to go with his friend.

Submitted by Tsama_ra on Tue, 16/09/2025 - 23:42

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Today I need a favour, but I don't have anyone to help me. So I'll do it myself