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

Download
Worksheet125.52 KB

Language level

Average: 4.4 (66 votes)
Do you need to improve your English speaking skills?
Join thousands of learners from around the world who are improving their English speaking skills with our live online classes and personal tutoring courses.

Submitted by Bridget.bui on Thu, 05/10/2023 - 03:29

Permalink

The last time, I did someone a favour was when my colleague asked me to take a day off because her son got sick and she had to take care of him.

Submitted by Soufiane on Sun, 24/09/2023 - 12:05

Permalink

I asked my nephew for a favor yesterday, I asked him to drop me off at my house.

Profile picture for user Luis Fernando Araújo da Silva

Submitted by Luis Fernando … on Sat, 16/09/2023 - 22:42

Permalink

The last time when someone asked me a favor was yesterday. I helped my neighbor to clean his yard

Profile picture for user imlix08

Submitted by imlix08 on Tue, 12/09/2023 - 05:58

Permalink

The last time I did someone a favour it was a week ago. I asked my mom if she could visit me in my apartment but she can't because she has other priorities to finished.

Oh man, I feel so sorry for you. I think sometime we need to be our best company. One day, she´ll visit you

Submitted by marriita on Thu, 03/08/2023 - 22:01

Permalink

I did a favour to my sister by finding a recipe for her.

Submitted by Banchi on Tue, 01/08/2023 - 10:56

Permalink

The last time I favored is to my brother Sammy. I have no work at the moment. so my young brother is always busy . he has wanted to apply to scholarship to attend his masters degree. but he can not do this because of lack of time. He asked me a favour to arrange his document and apply to the scholarship on behalf of him. I did this favour for my brother. this is the last favour of me to did for my brother.