Asking to Close a Window - Too Cold/Noise
A person feels uncomfortable due to cold or outside noise after a window has been opened and politely asks if it can be closed.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
chilly
Chilly means slightly cold, often used to describe the weather or a room that feels uncomfortably cool. In this dialogue, it's used to politely explain why the window should be closed.
bothering
Bothering means causing annoyance or discomfort to someone. Here, it refers to the open window making Sarah feel uncomfortable due to the cold.
distracting
Distracting means something that takes your attention away from what you're doing. In the dialogue, the outside noise is distracting Sarah from her work or focus.
appreciated
Appreciated means showing thanks or gratitude for someone's help. It's a polite way to express thanks, like 'Much appreciated' which is a common informal phrase.
no worries
No worries is a casual way to say 'don't worry about it' or 'it's not a problem.' It's often used in response to thanks to show that the favor was easy to do.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Would you mind if we closed the window? It's getting a bit chilly in here.
This is a polite way to ask for permission using 'Would you mind if...' structure, which is indirect and courteous. 'Chilly' explains the reason. Use this in shared spaces to request changes without being direct.
Oh, sorry, Sarah. I didn't realize it was bothering you. Of course, no problem at all.
This sentence apologizes and agrees politely. 'I didn't realize' shows lack of awareness, and 'no problem at all' means it's easy to help. Useful for responding to requests when you agree.
Thanks! And the noise from outside is a bit distracting too, if that's okay.
This adds another reason politely with 'if that's okay,' which softens the request. 'A bit' makes it less strong. Use this to give extra reasons without sounding demanding.
Totally understand. Let me just close it up for you. There you go.
'Totally understand' shows empathy. 'Let me just' is a helpful phrase for offering to do something immediately. 'There you go' means 'it's done.' Great for offering assistance in conversations.
Perfect. Thanks so much, David. Much appreciated!
This expresses satisfaction and thanks. 'Thanks so much' is enthusiastic gratitude, and 'much appreciated' reinforces it. Use after someone helps you to show politeness and warmth.
No worries at all. Just let me know if anything else comes up.
'No worries at all' dismisses thanks casually. 'If anything else comes up' invites future requests. This is a friendly way to end a helpful exchange and keep the door open for more.