Returning a Borrowed Item
You have finished using the item you borrowed (e.g., a pen, stapler) and are returning it to your colleague, expressing thanks.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
lending
The act of giving something to someone temporarily for them to use. Use it when talking about borrowing items, like 'Thanks for lending me your pen.'
no problem
A casual way to say it's okay or not a big deal. It's a polite response when someone thanks you for help.
glad
Feeling happy or pleased about something. Use it to show positive emotions, like 'I'm glad I could help you.'
bind
A difficult situation with no easy solution, as in 'in a bind.' It's an idiom for being stuck or in trouble.
backup plan
An alternative plan if the main one fails. Useful in workplaces to discuss preparation, like having extra supplies.
stock up
To buy or gather a lot of something in advance. Say it when preparing for needs, like 'stock up on office supplies.'
no worries
A relaxed way to say don't worry or it's fine. Common in informal conversations to reassure someone.
give a shout
To call out or contact someone for help. Informal phrase meaning 'let me know' if you need something.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Thanks again for lending me your stapler yesterday. Here it is!
This is a polite way to return something borrowed. 'Thanks again' shows repeated gratitude, and 'Here it is' means handing it back. Use it when finishing with a borrowed item to express appreciation.
Oh, no problem at all, Sarah. Glad I could help.
A friendly response to thanks. 'No problem at all' minimizes the effort, and 'glad I could help' shows willingness. It's useful for accepting thanks humbly in workplace chats.
It really saved me with those reports. I was in a bit of a bind.
Explains how the help was crucial. 'Saved me' means it prevented a problem, and 'in a bit of a bind' is an idiom for a small difficulty. Use this to describe urgent situations and show relief.
Happens to the best of us! Always good to have a backup plan.
Offers comfort by saying everyone faces issues. 'Happens to the best of us' is an idiom for common problems, and it suggests preparation. Great for empathetic responses in team settings.
Definitely. I need to remember to stock up on my own supplies. Thanks again!
Agrees strongly with 'Definitely,' then reflects on learning. 'Stock up' means to prepare more. Use this to end positively, showing you've learned and thanking once more.
No worries. Just give a shout if you ever need anything else.
Reassures and offers future help. 'No worries' is casual for 'don't worry,' and 'give a shout' means contact me. Ideal for closing conversations while keeping the door open for more assistance.