Stapler Shortage
You need to staple some documents but can't find your stapler. You approach a colleague at their desk to ask if you can borrow theirs briefly.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
bother
To bother someone means to interrupt or annoy them slightly, often used politely when asking for help. In the dialogue, 'sorry to bother you' shows good manners before making a request.
stapler
A stapler is a small office tool used to join papers together with metal staples. It's common in workplaces for organizing documents.
borrow
To borrow means to take something temporarily from someone with the intention of returning it later. It's a key word for asking to use items in shared spaces like offices.
stapling
Stapling is the action of using a stapler to fasten papers. It's a gerund form (verb + -ing) used as a noun here to describe the activity.
documents
Documents are official papers or files, often used in business or office settings. In plural form, it refers to multiple items that need organizing.
no problem
No problem is a casual way to say 'it's okay' or 'don't worry' when agreeing to help. It's very common in friendly workplace interactions to show willingness.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Hey Emily, sorry to bother you. Do you happen to have a stapler I could borrow for a minute?
This is a polite way to start a request in the workplace. 'Do you happen to have' is an idiomatic expression meaning 'by chance, do you have.' Use it when asking to borrow something briefly; it's useful for intermediate learners to sound natural and courteous.
Oh, sure! Mine's right here. Are you just stapling a few pages?
This sentence shows agreement and follows up with a question to understand the need. 'Sure' means 'yes' casually, and 'mine's' is a contraction of 'mine is.' It's practical for responding to borrowing requests and clarifying details.
Yeah, just a couple of documents. I can't seem to find mine anywhere this morning.
Here, 'Yeah' is informal for 'yes,' and 'I can't seem to find' is a common phrase meaning 'I am unable to locate' something despite trying. This explains the situation briefly; use it to give context when borrowing items.
No problem at all. Here you go. Let me know if you need anything else.
This is a helpful response when lending something. 'Here you go' means 'take it,' and 'let me know' invites further requests. It's useful for building positive colleague relationships and shows grammar like imperatives for offering help.
Thanks a lot, Emily! I'll bring it right back.
This expresses gratitude and promises return. 'Thanks a lot' is emphatic thanks, and 'right back' means immediately. Practice this to end borrowing interactions politely; it includes future tense 'I'll bring' for commitments.
Sounds good!
A short, positive agreement meaning 'that works fine.' It's versatile for confirming plans or responses in casual talks. Useful for intermediate learners as it's simple and ends conversations smoothly without much grammar complexity.