Borrowing a Less Common/Specific Item
A colleague needs a less common or more specific office tool (e.g., a hole punch, a label maker, a specific type of marker) and approaches a colleague they know might have it.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
label maker
A small machine used to print labels for organizing items, like files or boxes. It's useful in office settings for clear labeling.
borrow
To take something from someone temporarily with permission, promising to return it. Common in polite requests like 'Can I borrow your pen?'
lifesaver
An informal way to say something is extremely helpful in a difficult situation, like 'This tool is a lifesaver!' It shows strong gratitude.
grab
To quickly take or get something, often used casually like 'Let me grab my keys.' In offices, it means fetching an item promptly.
return
To give something back to its owner after using it. Important in borrowing contexts to show responsibility, e.g., 'Please return it soon.'
appreciate
To feel grateful for something or someone's help. Used in thanks, like 'I appreciate your assistance,' to express politeness.
take your time
A polite phrase meaning there's no hurry; use it when lending something to reassure the borrower they can use it as long as needed.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Hey Michael, I hope you don't mind me asking, but do you happen to have a label maker that I could borrow for a bit?
This is a polite way to ask for something specific. 'I hope you don't mind me asking' softens the request, and 'do you happen to have' is a gentle way to inquire. Useful for borrowing without seeming demanding; use it with colleagues.
What do you need it for?
A natural follow-up question to understand the purpose of borrowing. It shows interest and helps decide if lending is okay. Good for building rapport in office conversations.
It would be a lifesaver!
An idiomatic expression of strong relief and thanks. 'Lifesaver' means it saves you from a problem. Use it to emphasize how helpful the item is, making your appreciation clear.
No problem! Let me grab it for you.
A friendly agreement to help, with 'grab' meaning to fetch quickly. 'No problem' is casual reassurance. Use this when offering something to sound helpful and relaxed.
Just make sure to return it when you're done, and if the tape runs low, just let me know.
This sets polite conditions for borrowing, using 'make sure' for emphasis and 'runs low' for supplies running out. Useful for lenders to ensure items are returned properly; teaches responsibility.
I anticipate about an hour, maybe two.
Here, 'anticipate' means to expect or estimate time needed. It's formal yet practical for specifying duration in requests. Use it to show thoughtfulness about how long you'll borrow something.
Thanks a million, Michael! I really appreciate it.
A strong expression of thanks; 'thanks a million' is idiomatic for very grateful, like 'thanks a lot.' 'Appreciate it' reinforces politeness. Ideal for ending borrowing conversations positively.
Take your time. Just bring it back to my desk when you're finished. No rush.
Encouraging phrases meaning no hurry; 'take your time' and 'no rush' are reassuring. Use when lending to make the borrower feel comfortable, promoting good workplace relations.