Initial Request - Casual Setting
Asking a friend, colleague, or someone in a relaxed environment if you can use their charger because your phone battery is critically low.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
borrow
To borrow means to take something from someone temporarily with the promise to return it later. It's a polite way to ask for items like a charger in casual situations.
charger
A charger is a device used to recharge the battery of electronic devices like phones. In this context, it's a phone charger cable.
battery
The battery is the power source inside a phone that stores energy. When it's low, the phone can't function well.
on its last leg
This idiom means something is almost broken or finished, like a phone battery that's nearly dead. Use it informally to describe things wearing out.
lifesaver
A lifesaver is someone who helps you out of a difficult situation, like providing a charger when your phone is dying. It's a thankful expression.
grab
To grab means to quickly take or pick up something. Here, it means to take the charger before leaving, used in casual reminders.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Hey John, do you happen to have a phone charger I could borrow for a bit?
This is a polite, casual way to ask to borrow something. 'Do you happen to have' softens the request, making it less direct. Useful for starting requests with friends or colleagues.
My battery is on its last leg.
This sentence uses an idiom to explain a problem vividly. It's informal and shows urgency about low battery. Great for everyday conversations about tech issues.
What kind of phone do you have? Is it an iPhone or an Android?
This is a clarifying question using 'what kind' for specifics. It demonstrates how to ask about compatibility. Useful when offering help to ensure the right item.
No problem! I've got one right here.
A friendly response to a request, meaning it's easy to help. 'I've got' is a contraction for 'I have got,' common in casual English to show possession.
You're a lifesaver!
This expresses strong gratitude informally. It's like saying 'you saved me.' Use it after someone helps in a pinch, like with a charger.
Just make sure to grab it before you leave.
This is a polite reminder using 'make sure to' for instructions. It's useful for ensuring borrowed items are returned, in casual settings.