Neighbor Asking for Help
Your neighbor knocks on the door, needing assistance with something simple, like borrowing an item or asking a quick question.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
spare
An extra or unused item that you can lend to someone. For example, a spare key is an additional one you keep for emergencies.
borrow
To take something from someone with the intention of returning it later. It's polite to ask before borrowing.
screwdriver
A tool used to turn screws. A Phillips screwdriver has a cross-shaped tip for specific screws.
garage
A room or building attached to a house for parking cars, but often used for storing tools and other items.
sec
Short for 'second,' meaning a very short time. It's casual and used in everyday speech, like 'wait a sec.'
quick fix
A fast and simple repair or solution to a problem, not a permanent one.
porch
An open area covered by a roof at the entrance of a house, like a small outdoor space for sitting or leaving items.
will do
An informal way to say 'okay' or 'I will do that.' It's a quick response to agree or confirm.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Oh, hi David! Is everything okay?
This is a polite greeting when opening the door to someone unexpected. 'Is everything okay?' shows concern and invites the person to explain their visit. Use it for neighbors or friends at your door.
I was just wondering if you happen to have a spare Phillips screwdriver I could borrow for a minute?
A polite way to ask for something. 'I was just wondering' softens the request, 'happen to have' suggests it's not expected, and 'for a minute' means briefly. Useful for borrowing items from neighbors.
Hmm, let me check. Just a sec!
This shows you're willing to help but need a moment. 'Let me check' means to look for something, and 'just a sec' is casual for 'wait a second.' It's a natural response when unsure if you have an item.
Thanks so much, Lisa! My son's toy needs a quick fix, and mine just went missing.
Expressing gratitude while explaining why you need help. 'Thanks so much' is enthusiastic thanks, and 'went missing' means lost. Share a brief reason to make your request more understandable.
No problem at all! Ah, here we go. Is this the right size?
A friendly way to say it's easy to help. 'No problem at all' means it's not trouble, 'here we go' shows success in finding it, and the question confirms if it fits. Use when offering something.
Perfect! That's exactly what I needed. I'll bring it right back as soon as I'm done.
Showing satisfaction and promising to return the item. 'Perfect' means ideal, and 'as soon as I'm done' promises quick return. It's polite to assure you'll return borrowed things promptly.
No rush. Glad I could help! Just leave it on my porch if I'm not around.
Reassuring no hurry to return. 'No rush' means take your time, 'glad I could help' expresses happiness to assist. Suggest alternatives like leaving on the porch for convenience.
Will do. Thanks again, Lisa! See ya!
A casual agreement and goodbye. 'Will do' means 'okay, I will,' 'see ya' is informal for 'see you later.' Use this to end a short conversation politely and friendly.