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 AprilApple on Tue, 10/11/2020 - 09:58

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Just a few days ago I ask for a favour. Sometimes is really hard. You need a thicker face.

Submitted by Razy on Mon, 09/11/2020 - 10:07

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last week was the last time that I did a favour for my husband. He asked me to call his doctor and make him an appointment because he was working at that time. I called them but they didn't answer, so I wanted to call them later on the same day. However, I forgot it and became ashamed of myself.
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Submitted by Rafaela1 on Sat, 07/11/2020 - 12:55

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Thank you for the useful lesson! ;)

Submitted by Khin Thandar Htun on Sat, 07/11/2020 - 03:03

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Thanks a lot for the interesting lesson!
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Submitted by vsanchez75 on Mon, 19/10/2020 - 15:07

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I do not remember but surely I did something for someone. Sometimes you have to make a favour for someone, in the job in yoir home or community. The problem is when it seems an obligation, in Mexico is commun.

Submitted by fahri on Sun, 18/10/2020 - 03:42

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Dear team. From the lesson above. I would if I could,but I can't. The question: What is that means 'I would if I could' ???? Thank you very much for your answer