Politely Initiating the Request
The person approaches someone to ask if they would be willing to switch seats, usually starting with an apology or a polite opening.
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.
swap
To exchange or trade something with someone, like seats or items; useful in situations like trading places.
willing
Ready or agreeing to do something; helps express if someone is open to a suggestion.
bother
To disturb or annoy someone slightly; used in apologies to show you know you're interrupting.
window seat
A seat next to the window on public transport or in a theater; common in travel contexts for preferring views.
go ahead
Permission to proceed or do something; a casual way to agree and encourage action.
kind
Nice or generous in helping others; used to thank someone for their politeness or favor.
appreciate
To feel grateful for something; a stronger way to express thanks than just 'thank you'.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Excuse me, I'm really sorry to bother you, but would you possibly be willing to swap seats?
This is a polite way to start a request. It uses 'excuse me' for attention, an apology to soften it, and 'would you be willing' as a conditional question to ask indirectly. Useful for making requests without seeming rude.
Oh, no problem at all. Which seat were you interested in?
A friendly response to agree easily. 'No problem at all' means it's not an issue, and the question uses past tense 'were' in a polite inquiry. Great for showing willingness to help in conversations.
I was hoping to sit closer to my friend, who's in row 5, seat C.
This explains the reason politely using 'was hoping to' for a gentle wish. 'Closer to' shows preference for position. Useful for giving context in requests to make them more acceptable.
Ah, I see. So you'd like 12C, the window seat here?
'Ah, I see' shows understanding, and 'you'd like' is a contraction of 'you would like' for polite confirmation. This sentence repeats details to clarify. Helpful in confirming details during negotiations.
Yes, exactly! Would that work for you then?
'Exactly' confirms agreement strongly, and 'would that work for you' asks if it's convenient using a conditional for politeness. Ideal for following up on a proposal to check suitability.
Absolutely, that works perfectly. Go ahead.
'Absolutely' means completely yes, and 'go ahead' gives permission. This full agreement uses positive language. Use this to accept a request enthusiastically in similar situations.
Oh, thank you so much! That's really kind of you.
An enthusiastic thanks with 'so much' for emphasis, and 'kind of you' compliments the person's niceness. Essential for expressing gratitude after receiving help.
Not at all, really. Happy to help.
'Not at all' downplays any trouble, and 'happy to help' shows pleasure in assisting. This is a common, reassuring response to thanks, useful in polite interactions.