Initial Request - Casual Setting
Asking a friend, family member, or colleague for help carrying something heavy in a casual, everyday setting, like moving furniture or grocery bags.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
give me a hand
This is an idiom meaning to help someone with a task, especially something physical like carrying. It's casual and common in everyday conversations when asking for assistance.
heavier
The comparative form of 'heavy,' meaning something weighs more than expected. Use it to describe objects that are surprisingly difficult to lift or move.
doorway
The opening or space where a door is or would be installed, like the entrance to a room. It's useful when describing navigation in a house or building.
grab
To take or hold something quickly with your hand, often firmly. In this context, it's used for picking up an end of an object to carry it.
on the count of three
A phrase used to synchronize actions, like lifting together. It means everyone starts moving when the number three is said, helping coordinate efforts.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Hey Sarah, could you possibly give me a hand with something?
This is a polite, indirect way to ask for help using 'could you possibly' for extra courtesy. It's useful in casual settings to request assistance without being too direct; the modal 'could' softens the request.
Sure, John. What's up?
A friendly response agreeing to help, with 'What's up?' meaning 'What's the problem?' or 'What do you need?'. It's a common, informal way to show willingness and ask for more details.
Yeah, exactly! It's heavier than I expected.
Uses 'Yeah, exactly' to confirm agreement emphatically. 'Heavier than I expected' compares weight using 'than' for contrast. This sentence is practical for explaining why help is needed in surprise situations.
No problem. Happy to help.
A positive way to agree to assist, where 'No problem' means it's easy or not a bother. It's very common in casual English to show enthusiasm and build rapport when offering help.
If you could grab this end, I'll take the other. On the count of three?
This coordinates the action with a conditional 'if you could' for politeness, and 'on the count of three' for timing. Useful for teamwork in physical tasks; the question tag '?' seeks confirmation.
Sounds good. Ready when you are.
Agrees with a plan using 'sounds good' as a casual approval. 'Ready when you are' means I'm prepared to start whenever you're set. It's practical for showing cooperation and readiness in group activities.