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: 4.5 (60 votes)

Submitted by I.es91 on Fri, 07/04/2023 - 22:13

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I'm part of Scientific Forum on my university I did a Favor for them by sending the announcement message across every social media accounts that I have so I reached 1660 messages in total so, I think this is a huge favor that I done for today.

Submitted by loanphuong on Fri, 03/03/2023 - 04:58

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The last time I did a favor was a few days ago, for my colleague. She has been my best co-work. She and I had worked together for nearly 2 years. We supported each other a lot.

She had quitted the job at the end of this February, so I helped her with the work arrangement and handing over work to another person.

In detail, she asked me to help her count the company’s magazine. Because of numerous magazines. So I agreed.

Another thing, I guide her on how to write paperwork to conduct handing over work for the next person.

Submitted by bream on Wed, 15/02/2023 - 14:11

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The last time when I did a favor it was few months ago. I sold a car my friend but in general I wanted to announce it on special auto sales web site. He realized that my car was in a very good condition. Finally I agreed and sold it but the price was a bit lower

Submitted by megdad hassan on Fri, 20/01/2023 - 16:40

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Actually, today I took my aunt to her home by our car in this afternoon.

Submitted by Ridho Rachman on Wed, 11/01/2023 - 04:33

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My wife asked a favour last night. She said sorry because she wanted to go with father. So I asked her what could i helped with. she said "would you be able to clean up the magic jar". It was not a big thing because i was not doing anything.

Submitted by Subhanullah252 on Tue, 10/01/2023 - 03:03

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2 years ago my friend. he borrowed my car to take his child to the hospital. I helped him that at times, it was a pleasure for me,

Submitted by arc88 on Fri, 30/12/2022 - 14:42

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Very good video! It is funny!

Profile picture for user s'aws'an

Submitted by s'aws'an on Wed, 28/12/2022 - 10:51

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ummm ,i think the last time was when i got out earlly in the morning to meet a colleage in the librery for a revision help session in order to prepare for the exam .

Submitted by Rachel31 on Wed, 07/12/2022 - 07:42

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Last month a friend asked me a favour, he asked if I could get him a ticket for AM

Submitted by ryhn on Fri, 02/09/2022 - 12:45

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it was yestarday someone came to where I work and his internet hasn't had I shared my internet with him because he would pay as mobile.