Responding to offers

These English dialogues show you ways to accept or reject offers made to you.

"Can I help you?"

"Yes please. I'd like to know what time the train leaves."

"Can I help you?"

"No thanks, I'm just looking." (In a shop.)

"Shall I open the window for you?"

"Yes please. That would be very kind of you."

"Would you like another coffee?"

"No thanks." Or, "No thank you."

"Would you like another coffee?"

"Yes please, that would be lovely." Or, "Yes please, I'd love one."

"Would you like me to answer the phone?"

"If you wouldn't mind." Or, "If you could."
(Don't answer "Yes, I would", as this sounds like you expectsomeone to do it for you.)

"I'll do the photocopying, if you like."

"It's OK, I can do it." Or, "Don't worry, I'll do it.

"Or, "Thank you, that would be great."

Request and Offer Help Exchanges

1. I need to buy a product on amazon
2. Sure, Can I have your credit card number?
1. Would you mind helping me with the suitcases?
2. Yes, of course
1. My computer is not working, Could you help me?
2. Sure
1. I need a new laptop, could you help me ?
2. Yes, come over here
1. Could you lend me a few dollars?
2. sure, no problem

Making a Request Conversation

Conversation A
John: Hi, Do you need any help?
Luis: Thanks for asking, can you help me with this homework?
John: Sure, no problem but I don’t know much about math
Luis: Would you mind asking Dereck if he could help us?
John: Yeah, sure, can you send me his phone number?
Luis: Alrighty, check your whatsapp
HELPING PEOPLE ; Ways of helping people
There are some ways to offer helps and to respond them. For example:

 May I help you?

 Can I help you?
 Are you looking for something?
 Would you like some help?
 Do you need some help?
 What can I do for you today?
OFFERING HELP
Or offering to do something for someone.

If we classify into their level of formality (situation), consider the speaker and listener, here they are:

INFORMAL NEUTRAL FORMAL

Can I help u?

Let me help you …

May I be of
Shall I … assistant?

If you like I could … Might I help at all?

Need some help?
What can I do to Perhaps I could
help …? I’ll do it for you. assist in some way?

Would you like any Want a hand …? If we can be any of

help …? assistance, please
Can I help out? do not hesitate to
Is there anything I contact us again.
can do …? You look like you
could do with (usually for
I will …zx some help… written)

RESPONDING HELP
To respond help, people may accept or refuse an offer of helps. The common respons for help is
“Thank you”. The examples of the responses are:

ACCEPTING AN OFFER OF HELPS:

NEUTRAL INFORMAL FORMAL

Cheers!

That’s very Thanks very

kind of you. much.
You’re most kind.
Yes, please. Just what I
needed …! That’s extremely
If you’re sure kind/good/thoughtful of
it’s no trouble. Lovely! / Great! you.

REFUSING AN OFFER OF HELP

NEUTRAL INFORMAL FORMAL

No, thank you.

No, really, I can

manage.

That’s very kind f

you, but … It’s very good of
you to offer, but …
Don’t think so,
thank you. Please don’t
trouble yourself
No, it’s all right, No, it’s OK. Thanks about …
really.
Thanks a lot, but … That’s extremely
Thank you for kind of you, but …
offering, but … Nice thought, but
… I’m very grateful
No, don’t bother, for your offer.
really. No, don’t worry. However, …

A: I was wondering if you need any help on

your new project.

B: Sure! That would be great! Are you good at

writing or would you rather do the computer
work?

A: I would like to help with the computer

work.
B: Great! We are going to be working in teams
of three. Are you OK working with others?

A: Yes, I like working like that.

B: We will begin next Monday. Would you be

available then?

A: Yes, I can be there.

B: Well, if you could send me your basic

background information before next Monday,
it would be useful.

A: I will send the information to you.

B: Well then, thanks for your help. Have a

great day!

2
Repeat

A: Would you like me to help you on your new

project?

B: I would love the help! Would you prefer

helping with the writing part or is
programming more your thing?

A: I would enjoy helping with the writing

portion.

B: Perfect! You'll be working alone on that

portion. Do you like to work alone?

A: That is OK sometimes.

B: Our first meeting is next Monday. Could

you meet with us at that time?

A: No, I can't be there.

B: Please send me your background
information before the meeting so I can look
at it.

A: I can send that information to you.

B: OK. I look forward to working with you.

Enjoy your week!

3
Repeat

A: Could I help you on your new project?

B: I have a need for help with writing and also

a need for help with the computer work.
Which would you prefer?

A: I want to help with both.

B: That would be wonderful. Sometimes we

will be working together and sometimes
independently. Would that be OK?

A: Most of the time that is what I prefer.

B: We start on Monday. Can you be there?

A: I am not sure yet.

B: I need your background information before

the meeting.

A: I will do that.

B: I'll enjoy working with you. Have a great

day!

Asking for help :

A: Can you help me plan the office party?

B: Sure. What do you need the most help

with, the food or entertainment?
A: I need help with food.

B: OK, well, let's coordinate our efforts.

Should this party be formal or casual?

A: I think it should be casual.

B: I agree. Next, we have to decide on food.

We have a choice of Chinese or Continental
Cuisine. Which one should we have?

A: I would prefer Chinese food for this party.

B: Perfect choice. For music, should we have a

live band or a DJ?

A: I think we should hire a live band.

B: OK then. Well, I will work on my part and

get back to you with my progress on Friday.
2
Repeat

A: I need help with the office party.

B: Yes, of course. We could split it. What part

would you like to do, the food or the
entertainment?

A: I have no idea what the entertainment

should be.

B: Let's make sure we are on the same page.

Do we want a formal or informal gathering?

A: Let's make it a formal affair.

B: Yes, that would be best. Now, for food

should we have Chinese or American food?
A: American food would be the best choice.

B: That would be great. What kind of music

would you like, a band or recorded music?

A: We should bring in a really good DJ.

B: That works for me. Let's see what we can

each do about planning our part and meet
again on Friday.

3
Repeat

A: Would you help me figure out what to do

about the office party?

B: I would be happy to help. What would you

like me to help with, food or entertainment?

A: I would like to help you with both.

B: That will work out fine. To make sure
everything goes together, do you think this
party should be casual or dressy?

A: A dressy party would be fun!

B: That will work out fine. Do you think that

Chinese or Continental food would be best?

A: We should probably have both.

B: Yes, that will work out fine. Should we hire

a band or bring in a DJ?

A: Maybe we could do both!

B: Everything sounds great then! I'll meet you

back here on Friday to discuss the details.

Lesson Plan for Asking for Help

As a member of the hotel industry you will inevitably find yourself in a situation that
requires you to offer
help or assistance to a guest. This situation may present itself as an absolute
necessity or one of simply
polite behavior. In either case, knowing what to say in those situations will hold you in
good stead with
 the guests. At times, you will be in situations that you will offer your help and at other
times you may be
asked to respond to a guest that has requested help. Look at the expressions below
that cover both
circumstances.
Expressions for Asking for or Offering Help
When offering help When asking for help
Would you like some help? Could you give me a hand?
Can I give you a hand? Would you mind helping me out?
Do you need any help? Could you help me please?
May I offer my assistance? I need some assistance please.
Need any help?
Dialogue for asking for Help
When offering help
Staff: Excuse me ma’am, Could I help you with your bags?
Guest: That would be great thanks.
Staff: Pardon me sir, but it likes like you could use some help with those packages.
Guest: I sure could, thanks.
When responding to help
Guest: Excuse me, but can you help me?
Staff: Of course ma’am, what can I do for you?
Guest: Someone just stole my purse off my shoulder outside the hotel.
Staff: Are you OK?
Guest: Yes, just shaken up a bit.
Staff: Why don’t you sit down here and I’ll call the police for you.
Guest: Thank you; I appreciate your help.
Guest: I don’t understand what the taxi driver is trying to say. Could you translate for
me?
Staff: Of course sir, I’d be delighted to help.
Group Activity- Giving Help and Advice: A Skit
Divide the class into groups of 2 or 3. Students work together to develop a skit about
offering assistance
that is grammatically correct. Once the skit is developed, students present it to the
teacher and the rest
of class. The teacher judges the skit based on grammar and language use,
originality, and acting ability.

expressions to Use In Speaking And Writing:

1. Can you give me a hand with this?
2. Could you help me for a second?
3. Can I ask a favour?
4. I wonder if you could help me with this?
5. I could do with some help, please.
6. I can't manage. Can you help?
7. Give me a hand with this, will you?
8. Lend me a hand with this, will you?
9. Could you spare a moment?
10. I need some help, please.

Conversation
Let's Learn English Lesson 47; How Can I Help?

Anna: Hi, Pete. What are you doing?

Pete: Oh! Hi, Anna. Right now, I am fixing my car.
Anna: How’s it going?
Pete: It’s going … not so good.
Anna: How can I help? I was planning to visit some friends. But if you need help, I can help. I
like helping.
Pete: Anna, I can fix it myself. But thanks.
Anna: Pete, I think I found your problem. These are spark plugs. (holds them up)
Anna: They start the engine.
Pete: I know that, Anna. But there were too many spark plugs … in there. So I took out the
extra ones.
Anna: There are no extras, Pete. You need all of them. Pete, can you fix a car yourself?
Pete: Well, Anna, last night I was watching the online video course, “You CAN Fix a Car
Yourself!”
Dan: Yes, you CAN fix your car yourself!
Pete: And I watched the first 10 lessons. So, I think I know what I’m doing.
Anna: How many lessons are there?
Pete: Four hundred and fifty.
Anna: 450! That'll take too long! If I fix your car, I'll have it running in 10 to 15 minutes.
Anna: Where’re your tools?
Pete: I have this. (puts a useless tool in her hand). And this. (hands her another useless tool)
Anna: Great. Um, I’ll get my tools. I’ll be back in a flash!
Pete: But, Anna, I don’t need your ...
(She goes and quickly comes back with tools.)
Pete: … help.
Anna: Pete, when I was a teenager, I was fixing cars -- myself. I learned from a master.
Anna: You can trust me.
Pete: Okay.
Anna: Great! But we need teamwork. You sit in the car. When I say “go,” you start the engine.
Anna: Okay, go!
Anna: Stop!
Anna: Okay, go! Huh.
Pete: It's not starting! It’s not starting!
Anna: What’s wrong?
Pete: This car is stupid … stupid, stupid!
Anna: Pete, kicking the tires will not help.
Pete: Well, you did not help, Anna. You did not help!!
Anna: Pete, Pete! Pull yourself together, man. Give me the keys. I must feel the key in
the ignition and turn it myself.
Master: Use the key, Anna. Turn the key, Anna. What are you forgetting, Anna?
Anna: Pete. Pete.
Pete: What?
Anna: You are out of gas.
Pete: I can’t be out of gas. (looks at gauge) I’m out of gas. Sorry, Anna. I’ll go get some.
Anna: Pete. You relax. Clean your face. You can watch the rest of your online video course.
It’ll be faster if I go … in a flash. Until next time …
Dan (in the online video course): “Lesson 11. Always make sure you have a full tank of gas!”

Speaking Exercise: Helping people

There are lots of English expressions to offer to help someone - and also lots of expressions
to accept (or refuse) help. Take a look at our page on requests and offers, then try the quiz
below!

Level: Elementary and above

1. You see someone with a heavy suitcase and you offer help. You say: Would you like
a __
  carry

 hand

 help
2. Or you could also say: Can I __ you a hand?

 be

 give

 help
3. You're very busy and a colleague offers to make you a cup of tea. (''Would you like a
cup of tea?'') You want to accept the offer and say:

 Oh, that would be lovely, thank you!

 Yes, I would!

 You bet!
4. You're in a restaurant and the waiter takes your order and then asks if there's
anything else you need. In fact, you'd like a different glass as yours looks dirty. You
say:

 Actually, if you wouldn't mind, could you get me another glass?

 Actually, I want another glass.

 Actually, I'd like another glass. This one is dirty.

5. It's lunchtime and you want to eat with your friend, but he / she is busy studying.
You offer to go and buy sandwiches and say: I'll go and get some sandwiches, __

 if it's OK

 if it pleases you

 if you like
6. You're carrying two bags and you're nearly home, when someone offers you help.
You don't want help and say:

 Actually, I'm fine thanks!

 Actually, it's good thanks.

 Thanks but no!

7. In the same situation you could also say:

 Thanks, but I can deal with it.

 Thanks, but I can do it on my own.

  Thanks, but I can manage.
8. This week you have lots to do. A friend offers to go shopping for you, but you
don't want your friend to help. You say: Actually I'm fine thanks. Thanks __

 for helping, though.

 for offering, though.

 for saying, though.

9. In the same situation you could also say to your friend: I'll be fine thanks. __

 It's very kind of you to offer, though.

 It's very nice for you to ask, though.

 It's a wonderful idea, though.

10. Your friend insists and says ''Please, let me do the shopping for you!'' You
say: __

 No, I don't need you to.

 No, really, don't worry! I'll be fine.

 No, you shouldn't!

Offering, accepting and refusing help

Study the dialogs below:

Offering and accepting help

00: 00 | 00: 00

A: Would you like me to help you?

B: Yes, please. If it's not too much trouble .

00: 00 | 00: 00

A: Can I give you a hand?

B: Thanks. That's very kind of you .

00: 00 | 00: 00

A: Can I give you a hand?

B: Thanks very much. I'd appreciate that .

Offering and refusing help

00: 00 | 00: 00

A: I can help you with your homework if you like .

B: No thanks, I think I can manage .

00: 00 | 00: 00

A: Do you need any help with that form?

B: Thanks very much, but I can do it myself .

00: 00 | 00: 00

A: Shall I answer the phone?

B: No thanks, it's all right .
What would you say in each of the situations below? Click on each situation to display
possible answers.

Show all

A tourist in your town looks lost. Offer to help her.

You see an old lady trying to lift a heavy bag.

Your teacher says it's hot in the classroom. You are near a window.

You are a guest at somebody's house. The phone is ringing, but your host is busy in the kitchen.

Accepting and refusing help

Complete the responses to the help of expressions using the dialogues.

Accepting help

Would you like to help me with the dishes?

the following sentences. Try to guess the meaning of the expressions in bold and check
below to see if you are right..

I didn’t know which hotel to book, so I asked Janet to give me some advice. She
knows a lot about the city.

Alison decided to give her grandfather a hand with the dishes.

Sophie didn’t need to order a taxi because I offered to give her a lift.

Bruce fell off his boat and was unable to swim, but luckily somebody came and saved
his life.

I didn't have much money so I asked Tom to lend me some cash.

When I was visiting Paris I had nowhere to stay, so an old friend of mine put me up
for the night.

give somebody advice

offer somebody your opinion about what to do or how to act in a particular situation

give somebody a hand

help somebody with doing something that requires some effort, e.g. carrying bags,
doing homework etc.

give somebody a lift

take somebody somewhere in your car

save somebody’s life

stop somebody from being killed

lend somebody cash

 give somebody money and expect the person to pay you back later

put somebody up

let somebody stay at your place temporarily

Offering, accepting and refusing help

Study the dialogues below: Offering and accepting help

1.A: Would you like me to help you? B: Yes, please. If it's not too much trouble.
2.A: Can I give you a hand? B: Thanks. That's very kind of you.
3.A: Can I give you a hand? B: Thanks very much. I'd appreciate that.

Offering and refusing help

1.A: I can help you with your homework if you like.

B: No thanks, I think I can manage.

2.A: Do you need any help with that form?

B: Thanks very much, but I can do it myself.

3.A: Shall I answer the phone?

B: No thanks, it's all right.

What would you say in each of the situations below?

1. A tourist in your town looks lost. Offer to help her.
Do you need any help? / Would you like me to help you?

2.You see an old lady trying to lift a heavy bag.

Can I give you a hand with your bag? / Would you like me to help you with your bag?

3. Your teacher says that it's hot in the classroom. You are near a window.
Shall I open the window? /I can open the window if you like.

4.You are a guest at somebody's house. The phone is ringing, but your host is busy in
the kitchen.
Shall I answer the phone? /
Do you want me to answer the phone?/
I can answer the phone if you like.

Accepting and refusing help

Complete the responses to the offers of help using expressions from the dialogues.

Accepting help

1. A: Would you like me to help you with the dishes?

B: Yes, please. If .
2. A: I can lend you some money if you like.
B: Thanks. That's .

3. A: Do you want me to help you choose a computer?

B: Thanks very much. I'd .

Refusing help

1. A: Shall I carry some of your bags for you?

B: No thanks,

2. A: Do you need any help in the garden?

B: No thanks, I think.................

3. A: Would you like me to help you cook dinner?

B:Thanks very much, but I can .

Offering Something to Someone

There are several ways of offering something to someone in English. A polite way of offering something that
most learners are familiar with is to use the expression 'Would you like...?' For example:
 Would you like a cup of tea? / Would you like a biscuit or something?

When you're talking to someone you know well, you can use the less polite form 'Do you want...?' For
instance:
 Do you want a cup of tea? / Do you want a biscuit?

When you know the person well, and you want to be more persuasive, you can use the imperative form
have:
 Have some more coffee. / Have another slice of cake.

In very informal situations you can also use just a noun group, making it sound like a question:
 A: Black coffee? B: Yes, please. / A: Tea? B: No, thanks.

A note: British people often use the verb fancy as a way of informally offering something. For example:
 Fancy a drink? meaning Do you want a drink?

 Fancy some coffee? / Fancy a biscuit?

Sometimes you are offering something that is not immediately available. In such situations you can use the
expression 'Can I get you something?' For example:
 Can I get you something to drink? / Can I get you something to eat? / Let me get you something to
drink. / Let me get you something to eat. / Can I get you anything? A cup of tea or coffee? Some juice? /
Sit down and let me get you some cake.

If you want the other person to take what they need, you should use the expressions 'Help yourself' or 'Help
yourself to something':
  A: Do you suppose I could have a glass of wine? B: Of course. You know where everything is. Help
yourself.

 Please help yourself to some coffee. / Help yourself to sugar.

When you are offering help to someone, you can say '

Shall I...?':
 Shall I fetch a nurse? / Shall I fetch the doctor?

Confident Offers
If you are fairly sure that the other person wants to have something done for them, you can say 'Let me...' :
 Let me buy you a drink. / Let me carry your briefcase. / Let me help.

Less Confident Offers

If you are not sure whether the other person wants you to do something, you can make a less confident
offer. You can say 'Do you want me to...?', 'Should I...?' or, more politely, 'Would you like me to...?'. For
example:
 Do you want me to help you with your homework?

 Should I help you find a good doctor?

 Would you like me to take your shoes off?

Another way of making a less confident offer (when you are not sure that it is necessary) is to add '...if you
want' or '...if you like' after using 'I'll...' or 'I can...'. For instance:
 I'll drive you back home if you want.

 I can show you my new house right now if you like.

'Can I...' is also used to make a less confident offer:

 Can I give you a lift anywhere?

Sometimes you can also use the verb need to make an offer. For example:
 Do you need anything?

Offers to a Customer
Shop and company employees sometimes say 'Can I ...' or 'May I...' when they are politely offering their
help to a customer on the phone or in person:
 Flight information, can I help you?

 Dorsey & Whitney, Jamie speaking, how may I help you?

Replying to an Offer
The most usual way of accepting an offer is to say 'Yes, please' or 'Thank you/Thanks'. For example:
 A: Would you like some coffee? B: Yes, please.

 A: Have a banana. B: Thank you. / Thanks.

When you want to show that you are very grateful for an offer, especially an unexpected one, you can say
something like 'Thank you, that would be great' or 'Oh, thank you, that would be lovely'. You can also say
'That's very kind of you', which is a more formal alternative. For example:
 A: Shall I run you a bath? B: Yes, please! That would be lovely/great.

 A: Shall I help you carry the shopping? B: Thank you. That's very kind of you.

The usual way of refusing an offer is to say 'No, thank you' or, informally, 'No, thanks'. You can also say
something like 'No, I'm fine, thank you', 'I'm alright, thanks', or 'No, it's alright'. For example:
 A: Do you want a lift? B: No, I'm alright, thanks. I don't mind walking.

 A: Shall I cook dinner tonight? B: No, it's alright.

If someone says they will do something for you, you can also refuse their offer politely by saying 'Please
don't bother':
 A: I'll get you some water. B: Please don't bother.

If you have read the article carefully, you may have noticed the use of modal verbs in many of the above
expressions. Modal verbs are a type of auxiliary (helping) verbs, and they are used to indicate the necessity
or possibility of an event, and to make offers, requests, and suggestions. The modals used in the above
expressions are will, would, can, shall, should, and may.

Conversations : Offering Help

Conversation 1 Conversation 2
A: Would you like me to help you on your A: Could I help you on your new project?
new B: I have a need for help with writing and
project? also a
B: I would love the help! Would you prefer need for help with the computer work.
helping with the writing part or is Which
programming would you prefer?
more your thing? A: I want to help with both.
A: I would enjoy helping with the writing B: That would be wonderful. Sometimes
portion. we will
B: Perfect! You'll be working alone on that be working together and sometimes
portion. Do you like to work alone? independently. Would that be OK?
A: That is OK sometimes. A: Most of the time that is what I prefer.
B: Our first meeting is next Monday. Could B: We start on Monday. Can you be there?
you A: I am not sure yet.
meet with us at that time? B: I need your background information
A: No, I can't be there. before the
B: Please send me your background meeting.
information A: I will do that.
 before the meeting so I can look at it. B: I'll enjoy working with you. Have a great
A: I can send that information to you. day!
B: OK. I look forward to working with you.
Enjoy
your week!

Offering Something to Someone

There are several ways of offering something to someone in English. A polite way of offering something that
most learners are familiar with is to use the expression 'Would you like...?' For example:
 Would you like a cup of tea? / Would you like a biscuit or something?

When you're talking to someone you know well, you can use the less polite form 'Do you want...?' For
instance:
 Do you want a cup of tea? / Do you want a biscuit?

When you know the person well, and you want to be more persuasive, you can use the imperative form
have:
 Have some more coffee. / Have another slice of cake.

In very informal situations you can also use just a noun group, making it sound like a question:
 A: Black coffee? B: Yes, please. / A: Tea? B: No, thanks.

A note: British people often use the verb fancy as a way of informally offering something. For example:
 Fancy a drink? meaning Do you want a drink?

 Fancy some coffee? / Fancy a biscuit?

Sometimes you are offering something that is not immediately available. In such situations you can use the
expression 'Can I get you something?' For example:
 Can I get you something to drink? / Can I get you something to eat? / Let me get you something to
drink. / Let me get you something to eat. / Can I get you anything? A cup of tea or coffee? Some juice? /
Sit down and let me get you some cake.

If you want the other person to take what they need, you should use the expressions 'Help yourself' or 'Help
yourself to something':
 A: Do you suppose I could have a glass of wine? B: Of course. You know where everything is. Help
yourself.

 Please help yourself to some coffee. / Help yourself to sugar.

When you are offering help to someone, you can say '

Shall I...?':
 Shall I fetch a nurse? / Shall I fetch the doctor?

Confident Offers
If you are fairly sure that the other person wants to have something done for them, you can say 'Let me...' :
  Let me buy you a drink. / Let me carry your briefcase. / Let me help.

Less Confident Offers

If you are not sure whether the other person wants you to do something, you can make a less confident
offer. You can say 'Do you want me to...?', 'Should I...?' or, more politely, 'Would you like me to...?'. For
example:
 Do you want me to help you with your homework?

 Should I help you find a good doctor?

 Would you like me to take your shoes off?

Another way of making a less confident offer (when you are not sure that it is necessary) is to add '...if you
want' or '...if you like' after using 'I'll...' or 'I can...'. For instance:
 I'll drive you back home if you want.

 I can show you my new house right now if you like.

'Can I...' is also used to make a less confident offer:

 Can I give you a lift anywhere?

Sometimes you can also use the verb need to make an offer. For example:
 Do you need anything?

Offers to a Customer
Shop and company employees sometimes say 'Can I ...' or 'May I...' when they are politely offering their
help to a customer on the phone or in person:
 Flight information, can I help you?

 Dorsey & Whitney, Jamie speaking, how may I help you?

Replying to an Offer
The most usual way of accepting an offer is to say 'Yes, please' or 'Thank you/Thanks'. For example:
 A: Would you like some coffee? B: Yes, please.

 A: Have a banana. B: Thank you. / Thanks.

When you want to show that you are very grateful for an offer, especially an unexpected one, you can say
something like 'Thank you, that would be great' or 'Oh, thank you, that would be lovely'. You can also say
'That's very kind of you', which is a more formal alternative. For example:
 A: Shall I run you a bath? B: Yes, please! That would be lovely/great.

 A: Shall I help you carry the shopping? B: Thank you. That's very kind of you.

The usual way of refusing an offer is to say 'No, thank you' or, informally, 'No, thanks'. You can also say
something like 'No, I'm fine, thank you', 'I'm alright, thanks', or 'No, it's alright'. For example:
 A: Do you want a lift? B: No, I'm alright, thanks. I don't mind walking.
  A: Shall I cook dinner tonight? B: No, it's alright.

If someone says they will do something for you, you can also refuse their offer politely by saying 'Please
don't bother':
 A: I'll get you some water. B: Please don't bother.

If you have read the article carefully, you may have noticed the use of modal verbs in many of the above
expressions. Modal verbs are a type of auxiliary (helping) verbs, and they are used to indicate the necessity
or possibility of an event, and to make offers, requests, and suggestions. The modals used in the above
expressions are will, would, can, shall, should, and may.

Conversations : Offering Help

Conversation 1 Conversation 2
A: Would you like me to help you on your A: Could I help you on your new project?
new B: I have a need for help with writing and
project? also a
B: I would love the help! Would you prefer need for help with the computer work.
helping with the writing part or is Which
programming would you prefer?
more your thing? A: I want to help with both.
A: I would enjoy helping with the writing B: That would be wonderful. Sometimes
portion. we will
B: Perfect! You'll be working alone on that be working together and sometimes
portion. Do you like to work alone? independently. Would that be OK?
A: That is OK sometimes. A: Most of the time that is what I prefer.
B: Our first meeting is next Monday. Could B: We start on Monday. Can you be there?
you A: I am not sure yet.
meet with us at that time? B: I need your background information
A: No, I can't be there. before the
B: Please send me your background meeting.
information A: I will do that.
before the meeting so I can look at it. B: I'll enjoy working with you. Have a great
A: I can send that information to you. day!
B: OK. I look forward to working with you.
Enjoy
your week!

Responding to offers

Accepting Declining
Yes please. I’d like to.
That would be very kind of you.
It’s OK, I can do it myself.
Yes please, that would be lovely.
Don’t worry, I’ll do it.
Yes please, I’d love to.
No, thanks
If you wouldn’t mind.
No, thank you
If you could.
Thank you, that would be great.

Examples:

· “Can I help you?” · “Would you like another piece of

“No thanks, I’m just having a look.” cake?”
(With a shop assistant.) “Yes please, that would be nice .”
“Yes please, I’d love one.”
· “Can I help you?”
“Do you know where the post office is.” · “Would you like me to do the the
ironing for you?”
· “Shall I help you with your maths “If you wouldn’t mind.”
problem?” “If you could.”
“Yes, please. That would be very
nice of you.” · “I’ll do the washing, if you like.”
“It’s OK, I can do it.”
· “Would you like a cup of tea?” “Don’t worry, I’ll do it.”
“No thanks.” Or, “No thank you.” “Thank you, that would be great.”

Asking others to do things – making requests

Asking Saying Yes Saying No

Can you…? Yes, sure. Well, I’m afraid + reason

Could you…?
Is it all right if you…?
Yes, of course. Well, the problem is
Do you think you could…?
Certainly. Sorry, but…
Will you…?
Would you…?

Do you mind -ing…? No, not at all.

Would you mind -ing…? Of course not.

Situation cards:
Offers and Requests Situations
 Your house is in a bad
You have just broken your state: the walls need
You have to go away for
leg. You have to stay in painting, one window is
the weekend for a
bed for 2 months. You broken and the front door
business trip. You have
have 3 children and 2 doesn’t close properly.
lots of plants in your
dogs. Ask your friends for You have no money for
house and 3 cats.
help. repairs. Ask your friends
for help.

You had a big party last

You have an important job night and your house is a
interview tomorrow You are organising a complete mess, the carpet
morning but your car is at cocktail dinner party but is stained with red wine,
the mechanics being fixed. you can’t cook or make all the dishes are dirty,
You also need to take your cocktails and you don’t there are cans and bottles
children to school at the have any CDs or records to everywhere and the toilet
same time as the play. is broken. Ask your friends
interview. (who were also at the
party) for help.

You are in an expensive

You are a little old lady.
restaurant with friends.
You have just been to the You had an accident at
There is a group of loud
supermarket, you are work and you have to
football players at the
carrying a lot of heavy wear two patches over
table next to you singing
bags and you want to your eyes for 2 weeks. Ask
and shouting. The
cross the road. Ask a your friends for help with
restaurant is also too cold
group of teenagers for your daily activities.
and smells bad. Ask the
help.
waiter for help.

You are moving house.

You have a new boss at You are an old man, you
You have to transport
work. You want to impress have come to visit your
everything in your old
him/her because you want children, you have arthritis
house to your new one.
a promotion. Offer to do and you need help with
You don’t have a van, ask
some extra work. lots of things.
your friends for help.
 Offering, accepting and refusing help

Study the dialogs below:

Offering and accepting help

00: 00 | 00: 00

A: Would you like me to help you?

B: Yes, please. If it's not too much trouble .

00: 00 | 00: 00

A: Can I give you a hand?

B: Thanks. That's very kind of you .

00: 00 | 00: 00

A: Can I give you a hand?

B: Thanks very much. I'd appreciate that .

Offering and refusing help

00: 00 | 00: 00

A: I can help you with your homework if you like .

B: No thanks, I think I can manage .

00: 00 | 00: 00

A: Do you need any help with that form?

B: Thanks very much, but I can do it myself .

00: 00 | 00: 00

A: Shall I answer the phone?

B: No thanks, it's all right .

What would you say in each of the situations below? Click on each situation to display
possible answers.

Show all

A tourist in your town looks lost. Offer to help her.

You see an old lady trying to lift a heavy bag.

Your teacher says it's hot in the classroom. You are near a window.

You are a guest at somebody's house. The phone is ringing, but your host is busy in the kitchen.

Accepting and refusing help

Complete the responses to the help of expressions using the dialogues.

Accepting help

Would you like to help me with the dishes?

Accepting and refusing help

Complete the responses to the help of expressions using the dialogues.

Accepting help

Would you like to help me with the dishes?

Yes, please. If it's not too much trouble .

CHECK ANSWER
I can pay you some money if you like.

Thanks. That's very kind of you .

CHECK ANSWER

Do you want me to help you choose a computer?

Thanks very much. I'd appreciate that .

CHECK ANSWER

Refusing help

Shall I carry some of your bags for you?

No thanks, it's all right .

CHECK ANSWER

Do you need help in the garden?

No thanks, I think I can manage .

CHECK ANSWER

Would you like to help me cook dinner?

Thanks very much, but I can do it myself .

CHECK ANSWER

What would you say in each of the situations below? Click on each situation to display
possible answers.

Hide all

A tourist in your town looks lost. Offer to help her.

Do you need any help?

Would you like me to help you?

You see an old lady trying to lift a heavy bag.

Can I give you a hand with your bag?

I can give you a hand if you like.

Would you like to help me with your bag?

Your teacher says it's hot in the classroom. You are near a window.

Shall I open the window?

I can open the window if you like.

You are a guest at somebody's house. The phone is ringing, but your host is busy in the kitchen.

Shall I answer the phone?

Do you want me to answer the phone?

I can answer the phone if you like.