Searching for Paper Clips
You need a few paper clips for some loose papers. You ask a colleague if they have any spare ones you could use.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
spare
Extra or unused items you can share. In this context, it means extra paper clips that are not being used.
paper clips
Small metal or plastic clips used to hold sheets of paper together in an office.
borrow
To take something temporarily from someone with the intention of returning it later. Common in polite requests at work.
drawer
A sliding box-like storage compartment in a desk or table, often used to keep office supplies.
loose
Not attached or held together; here, it describes papers that are separate and not bundled.
appreciate
To feel grateful for something someone has done for you. It's a polite way to say thank you.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Do you happen to have any spare paper clips I could borrow?
This is a polite way to ask for something. 'Happen to have' softens the request, making it less direct. Use this when asking colleagues for small favors in the office.
Let me check my drawer.
A helpful response showing willingness to help. 'Let me' means 'allow me to' and is used to offer to do something quickly. Good for workplace interactions.
Just need a few for some loose papers here.
Explains the reason briefly without too much detail. 'Just' minimizes the request, making it sound casual. Useful for specifying what you need when borrowing.
Take as many as you need.
An generous offer to share. This idiom-like phrase shows openness. Use it when giving items to colleagues to build good relationships.
Appreciate it, Sarah.
A short, informal thank you. 'Appreciate it' is common in American English for expressing gratitude quickly. Say this after receiving help at work.
No problem at all! Glad I could help.
A friendly way to respond to thanks. 'No problem' means it's easy, and 'glad I could help' shows positive feelings. Perfect for ending polite exchanges.