Formal Request - Public/Work Setting
Asking a stranger, a service person, or a supervisor for assistance with a heavy item in a more formal or professional environment, such as at a store, office, or airport.
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 in formal or public settings to start a conversation.
wondering
The present participle of 'wonder,' used in phrases like 'I was wondering' to politely ask a question or make a request without being direct.
moment
A short period of time; in requests, 'have a moment' means asking if someone has a little time available to help.
certainly
A formal way to say 'yes' or 'of course,' showing willingness to help in professional situations.
manage
To handle or deal with something successfully; here, 'I can't manage' means 'I can't do it alone' because it's too difficult.
give you a hand
An idiom meaning to help someone, especially with a physical task like carrying something; it's a friendly and common expression.
got it
Informal way to say 'I understand' or 'Okay, I see'; useful for confirming instructions in conversations.
assistance
Formal word for 'help,' often used in professional or polite contexts like work or public places.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Excuse me, David? I was wondering if you might have a moment to help me with something.
This is a polite, indirect way to ask for help in a formal setting. 'I was wondering' softens the request, making it less demanding. Use it when approaching someone you don't know well, like a colleague or stranger, to show respect. Grammar: Past continuous 'was wondering' for politeness.
Certainly, Sarah. What can I help you with?
A formal response offering help. 'Certainly' agrees politely, and the question invites details. Useful for service roles or professional interactions to sound helpful and professional. Grammar: Simple present for general offers.
I need to move these boxes of archived files to the storage room, but they're quite heavy. I don't think I can manage them on my own.
This explains the problem clearly: stating the need, describing the difficulty, and admitting limitation. 'Quite heavy' means very heavy but moderately. Use when requesting physical help to give context. Grammar: 'But' connects contrast; 'don't think' expresses doubt.
No problem at all. Let me give you a hand.
Assures the helper is willing without hesitation. 'No problem at all' emphasizes ease, and 'give you a hand' is an idiomatic offer of help. Practical for responding positively in work or public scenarios. Grammar: Imperative 'Let me' suggests action politely.
They need to go to the storage room on the ground floor, just past the break room.
Gives clear directions for the task. Use this to specify location when asking for or providing help with moving items. 'Ground floor' means first floor in British English contexts. Grammar: Prepositions like 'on' and 'past' describe position.
Got it. Let's do it then.
Confirms understanding and suggests starting. 'Got it' is casual confirmation; 'Let's do it' is an inclusive suggestion. Useful for team tasks to keep things moving. Grammar: 'Let's' is a contraction for 'let us,' proposing joint action.
That would be a great help, David. Thank you so much for your assistance.
Expresses gratitude formally after help is offered. 'Would be' is conditional for hypothetical politeness; 'thank you so much' intensifies thanks. Use at the end of requests in professional settings. Grammar: Conditional 'would' for courtesy.
You're very welcome, Sarah. Happy to help.
A polite response to thanks. 'You're very welcome' is a standard reply; 'Happy to help' shows positive attitude. Essential for ending helpful interactions warmly. Grammar: Simple present for general feelings.