Offering to Let Someone Go First
You are next in line, but you notice someone else seems to be in a greater hurry (e.g., heavily panting after a run) or has a child. You offer for them to go ahead of you.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
out of breath
This phrase means someone is breathing heavily and quickly because they are tired or have been exercising. Use it to show empathy, like 'You look out of breath after running.'
go ahead
This is a polite way to invite someone to do something before you, like letting them use something first. It's common in lines or queues to show courtesy.
kind
Kind means being nice and helpful to others. Use it to thank someone, as in 'That's very kind of you,' to express gratitude for their politeness.
appreciate
To appreciate means to feel thankful for something. It's used in responses like 'I appreciate it' to show you value someone's help.
go for it
This is an encouraging phrase meaning 'do it' or 'start now.' Use it casually to urge someone to proceed, like in offering something.
take your time
This means 'don't hurry' or 'do it at your own pace.' It's polite to say when letting someone use something without pressure.
all yours
This phrase means 'it's your turn now' or 'you can have it all.' Use it after finishing with something to pass it to the next person.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Excuse me, looks like you're really out of breath. Do you want to go ahead?
This sentence is a polite way to start a conversation and offer help. 'Excuse me' gets attention, and the question uses 'go ahead' to let someone go first. Useful in public places to show kindness; note the casual observation before the offer.
Oh, that's very kind of you! I just finished a run.
Here, 'that's very kind of you' expresses thanks for politeness. 'I just finished a run' explains the situation simply. Use this to respond gratefully and share a bit about why you need help; 'just' emphasizes recent action.
No problem at all. Go for it.
'No problem at all' means it's easy to help, downplaying the favor. 'Go for it' encourages action. This is a casual, friendly response when offering something; useful for everyday interactions to sound relaxed.
Thanks so much! I really appreciate it.
This shows strong gratitude. 'Thanks so much' is emphatic thanks, and 'I really appreciate it' adds sincerity. Use after receiving help; 'really' intensifies the feeling, common in polite English.
You're welcome. Take your time.
'You're welcome' is the standard reply to 'thank you.' 'Take your time' reassures no rush. Useful in service situations; it makes the interaction smooth and considerate.
Just a second. All yours!
'Just a second' means 'wait one moment.' 'All yours' signals it's the other person's turn. This is quick and practical for short interactions; shows efficiency after using something briefly.
Thanks!
A simple, universal expression of thanks. Use it at the end of short positive exchanges; it's versatile and always polite in casual settings like public places.