Asking for favors and responding to requests — ESL lesson

Asking for favors and responding to requests are essential parts of everyday communication, whether you’re a beginner learning English or an advanced speaker navigating professional settings. Using polite language, a friendly tone, and appropriate phrases can make these interactions smoother and more effective. This article provides practical examples and tips for asking for favors, responding to requests, and expressing gratitude, with tailored advice for both beginners and advanced English learners, including special considerations for ESL students.

For beginners

Asking for favors

Remember, always be polite when asking for a favor. You also want to speak with a welcoming tone. Never be demanding.

1. Can you help me (with…)?
   Example: “Can you help me with my homework?”
2. Could you please…?
   Example: “Could you please open the door?”
3. Would you mind…?
   Example: “Would you mind lending me a pen?”
4. Can I borrow…?
   Example: “Can I borrow your book?”
5. Do you have a moment to…?
   Example: “Do you have a moment to explain this?”

Responding to requests for favors

1. Sure, no problem!
   Example: “Sure, no problem! I’ll help you.”
2. Of course, I can do that.
   Example: “Of course, I can lend you my notes.”
3. I’d be happy to help.
   Example: “I’d be happy to help with your project.”
4. Sorry, I can’t right now.
   Example: “Sorry, I can’t right now, but maybe later?”
5. Let me see what I can do.
   Example: “Let me see what I can do about that.”

Showing your appreciation

You always want to show the other person that you are appreciative. Here are some common ways we show appreciation when someone does us a favor.

1. Thank you so much!
   Example: “Thank you so much for your help!”
2. I really appreciate it.
   Example: “I really appreciate you lending me your book.”
3. Thanks a lot!
   Example: “Thanks a lot for explaining that.”
4. You’re so kind!
   Example: “You’re so kind to help me.”
5. I owe you one!
   Example: “I owe you one for this favor!”

For advanced students

Asking for favors

1. Would you be so kind as to…?
   Example: “Would you be so kind as to review my report before I submit it?”
2. I was wondering if you could…?
   Example: “I was wondering if you could give me some advice on this project.”
3. Could I possibly trouble you to…?
   Example: “Could I possibly trouble you to proofread this document?”
4. Might I ask for your assistance with…?
   Example: “Might I ask for your assistance with preparing for the presentation?”
5. I’d greatly appreciate it if you could…?
   Example: “I’d greatly appreciate it if you could share your notes from the meeting.”

Responding to requests for favors

1. I’d be delighted to assist.
   Example: “I’d be delighted to assist with organizing the event.”
2. Certainly, I’ll see to it right away.
   Example: “Certainly, I’ll see to it right away and get you those files.”
3. I’m happy to lend a hand.
   Example: “I’m happy to lend a hand with setting up the meeting room.”
4. I’m afraid I’m tied up at the moment, but I’ll try to help later.
   Example: “I’m afraid I’m tied up at the moment, but I’ll try to help later this afternoon.”
5. Let me check my schedule, and I’ll get back to you.
   Example: “Let me check my schedule, and I’ll get back to you about helping with that task.”

Showing appreciation

1. I’m immensely grateful for your help.
   Example: “I’m immensely grateful for your help with my application.”
2. Your assistance means a great deal to me.
   Example: “Your assistance with the project means a great deal to me.”
3. I can’t thank you enough for your support.
   Example: “I can’t thank you enough for your support during this busy week.”
4. I truly value your kindness.
   Example: “I truly value your kindness in helping me with this issue.”
5. You’ve been an absolute lifesaver!
   Example: “You’ve been an absolute lifesaver with fixing my computer!”

Tips for ESL students

• Be polite: Use “please” when asking and “thank you” when someone helps.
• Practice tone: A friendly tone makes your request sound nicer.
• Keep it simple: Use short sentences to avoid confusion.
• Context matters: Use formal phrases (e.g., “Would you be so kind as to…”) in professional settings or with people you don’t know well. Informal phrases (e.g., “You’ve been a lifesaver!”) work better with friends or colleagues you’re close to.
• Vary your tone: Adjust your intonation to sound sincere or enthusiastic, especially when showing appreciation.
• Cultural awareness: In some cultures, direct requests may seem impolite, so softer phrases like “I was wondering if…” can be more appropriate.

Conclusion

Knowing how to ask for and respond to favors is a valuable skill that enhances communication and builds stronger relationships. By using polite phrases, adjusting your tone to the context, and showing genuine appreciation, you can navigate these interactions with confidence. Whether you’re a beginner practicing simple requests or an advanced learner using formal expressions, these strategies will help you communicate effectively and respectfully in any setting.