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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Worksheet125.52 KB

Language level

Average: 4.4 (77 votes)
Profile picture for user Khaing Myo Tun

Submitted by Khaing Myo Tun on Mon, 28/04/2025 - 15:17

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I lost my way at the downtown,yesterday. I asked for someone  to get my own way. He took me to the bus-stop and give me a right car. I really appreciated him. 

Submitted by GayaneGh on Sat, 26/04/2025 - 12:06

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Five days a week, my children ask me to do them a favor, to help them with their homework, to help them get ready for school. And I help, of course.

Profile picture for user Ma Hay

Submitted by Ma Hay on Thu, 24/04/2025 - 15:43

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While I was preparing my meal in the shared kitchen this morning, one of my roommates asked if she could use it first, as she was in a hurry to get to work. I stepped out and let her use the kitchen first so she wouldn't be late for her work.

Submitted by Manitra on Tue, 18/03/2025 - 16:31

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I helped my mother yesterday, to do the laundry

Profile picture for user Ghofran21

Submitted by Ghofran21 on Wed, 19/02/2025 - 18:04

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Last week my friend asked to send her questions and answers about our lectures to be as a raining for the exam, and I did.

Submitted by Tournigand on Thu, 13/02/2025 - 14:40

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Some times ago, I move one of my pause schedule to do a favor for a colleague.

Profile picture for user soHaila

Submitted by soHaila on Tue, 11/02/2025 - 13:33

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it was 5 minute ago

i had cleaning the kitchen for my mam

Profile picture for user Alion

Submitted by Alion on Wed, 05/02/2025 - 15:45

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It was three days ago.

My colleague needed to finish a project for a client and I didn´t mind to help him, because that day I haven´t  anything to do and he helps me whenever I need

Profile picture for user Jorgeisah

Submitted by Jorgeisah on Thu, 30/01/2025 - 20:49

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The last time I that made a favour, I been help a friend for buy in car.
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