Need to Reach Something
Someone is standing in front of an item or display you need to access (e.g., in a supermarket, museum, or shop). You need to ask them to step aside briefly.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
excuse me
A polite way to get someone's attention or interrupt them gently, often used before making a request in public places.
bother
To disturb or annoy someone slightly; here, it's used to apologize for interrupting, showing politeness.
mind
In questions like 'Do you mind if...?', it asks if something is okay or acceptable to the other person.
grab
An informal word meaning to take or pick up something quickly, useful for everyday actions like reaching for an item.
in the way
Means blocking someone's path or access; it's a common phrase to describe unintentionally obstructing others.
no worries
A casual way to say 'it's okay' or 'don't worry about it', used to reassure someone politely.
appreciate
To feel grateful for something; often used in 'I appreciate it' to thank someone sincerely.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Excuse me, I'm so sorry to bother you, but do you mind if I just quickly grab something right behind you?
This is a polite request to interrupt and access something; it uses 'do you mind if' for permission and 'quickly grab' to show it's brief. Useful in crowded places like stores to ask someone to move aside without being rude.
Oh, not at all! Sorry, I didn't realize I was in the way.
A friendly response agreeing to help and apologizing; 'not at all' means 'no problem at all'. Great for showing empathy and offering to move when someone asks politely.
No worries at all! Just trying to get a bottle of that olive oil on the bottom shelf there.
Reassures the other person it's fine; 'no worries' is casual for 'don't worry', and 'just trying to get' explains the simple need. Use this to respond kindly and clarify your request.
Let me just step out of your way. There you go.
'Step out of your way' means to move aside to allow access; 'there you go' signals it's done. This is practical for helping someone in tight spaces, like shops or museums.
Thank you so much! Really appreciate it.
A strong expression of thanks; 'so much' adds emphasis, and 'really appreciate it' shows genuine gratitude. Use after someone helps you to end interactions positively.
You're welcome! Glad I could help.
'You're welcome' is the standard reply to thanks; 'glad I could help' expresses happiness in assisting. This polite closing makes conversations feel warm and reciprocal.