Office Supply Emergency
You're in a hurry to print and bind a report, but run out of paper or need a hole puncher. You quickly ask the nearest colleague for help.
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. In polite requests, like 'sorry to bother you,' it's used to apologize for asking for help.
borrow
To borrow something means to take it temporarily from someone with the intention of returning it later. It's common in workplaces for sharing items like office supplies.
hole puncher
A hole puncher is an office tool used to make holes in paper for binding documents. It's a specific vocabulary for workplace scenarios involving printing or reports.
just a sec
This is a casual way to say 'just a second' or 'wait a moment.' It's informal and used when you need a very short time to do something quickly.
bind
To bind means to fasten pages together, like in a report. In office contexts, it refers to preparing documents for presentation or submission.
lifesaver
A lifesaver is someone who provides crucial help in a difficult situation. It's an idiomatic expression to show strong gratitude, like saving you from trouble.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Sorry to bother you, but do you happen to have a hole puncher I could quickly borrow?
This polite request uses 'sorry to bother you' to apologize for interrupting, 'happen to have' for a casual inquiry, and 'could borrow' for permission. It's useful for asking to borrow items without being too direct; practice it in urgent office situations.
Oh, sure, Emily. I think I have one right here. Just a sec.
This is a friendly agreement and offer of help. 'Sure' means yes willingly, and 'just a sec' is informal for a brief wait. Use this to respond positively when someone asks for something you can provide quickly.
Thanks so much! I'm trying to bind this report, and I just realized I don't have one on my desk.
This expresses gratitude and explains the reason for the request. 'Thanks so much' is emphatic thanks, and 'I'm trying to' shows current action. It's practical for giving context when borrowing, helping build rapport in conversations.
No problem at all. Here you go. Just make sure to bring it back when you're done.
This is a helpful response with 'no problem' meaning it's easy to assist, and 'here you go' for handing over the item. The reminder uses 'make sure' for polite instruction. Use it when lending items to show willingness and set expectations for return.
Absolutely, I'll return it right away. You're a lifesaver!
'Absolutely' means complete agreement, and 'right away' means immediately. 'You're a lifesaver' is idiomatic gratitude. This sentence is great for promising quick return and thanking profusely in time-sensitive workplace interactions.
Glad I could help. Let me know if you need anything else.
'Glad' expresses happiness about assisting, and 'let me know' invites further requests. It's a polite closing that keeps the door open for more help. Use this to end interactions positively and encourage ongoing teamwork.