Borrowing a Stapler/Hole Punch
You need a specific office tool like a stapler or hole punch for a small task and ask a colleague if they have one you can use.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
stapler
A small office tool used to join papers together with metal staples. It's common in workplaces for binding documents.
borrow
To take something from someone temporarily with the intention of returning it later. Use it when asking for items like office supplies.
drawer
A sliding compartment in a desk or table for storing small items. In offices, people keep supplies like staplers in desk drawers.
sec
Short and informal way to say 'second,' meaning 'wait a moment.' It's casual and used in quick conversations at work.
put together
To assemble or join items, like stapling pages. In this context, it means to bind papers for a document.
report
A written document that presents information, often for work or school. It's useful for discussing office tasks.
no problem
A friendly response meaning 'it's okay' or 'no trouble at all.' Use it to agree to help without hesitation.
here you go
A phrase said when handing something to someone. It's polite and common when giving an item like a tool.
rush
To hurry or do something quickly. 'No rush' means the person doesn't need to hurry returning the item.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Hey Michael, do you happen to have a stapler I could borrow for a minute?
This is a polite way to ask if someone has an item to borrow briefly. 'Do you happen to have' softens the request, making it less direct. Useful for office borrowing situations; the grammar uses a question with 'could' for permission.
Hmm, I think I have one right here in my desk drawer. Just a sec.
This shows thinking and confirming before helping. 'Hmm' expresses thought, and 'Just a sec' means 'wait a moment.' It's a natural response when searching for something; practice the informal contraction 'sec' for casual talk.
Thanks! I just need to put a few pages together for this report.
A quick thank you followed by explaining the purpose. 'Put together' is an idiom for assembling; it's useful to explain why you need something to make the request clearer. Simple present tense here for stating needs.
No problem. Here you go. Let me know if you need anything else.
Friendly way to hand over the item and offer more help. 'No problem' is idiomatic for agreement, and 'Let me know' invites future requests. Great for building positive work relationships; uses imperative for suggestions.
Perfect, this is exactly what I needed. I'll bring it right back.
Expresses satisfaction and promises to return the item soon. 'Right back' means immediately; useful for reassuring the lender. Future tense 'I'll bring' shows intention; practice this to sound polite and responsible.
No rush at all. Take your time.
Reassures the borrower not to hurry. 'No rush' is a common idiom meaning 'don't worry about time,' and 'Take your time' is encouraging. Use this to be courteous in lending situations; simple imperative structure.