Long-term Supply Request
You frequently run out of a certain small supply (e.g., sticky notes, paper clips) and want to ask a colleague if they can give you a small amount to keep, rather than just borrowing for a moment.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
spare
Extra or additional items you have beyond what you need, like spare pens in your drawer. Use it when asking for something extra politely.
sticky notes
Small pieces of paper with glue on one side for writing reminders and sticking them on surfaces. Common office supply for quick notes.
run out
To use up all of something so none is left. Say 'I'm out of paper' when you have no more supplies.
go through
To use something up quickly, often more than expected. For example, 'I go through coffee fast' means you drink it a lot.
stock up
To buy or gather a large amount of something to have enough for a while. Useful when talking about preparing supplies in advance.
tide over
To help someone through a difficult time temporarily until they can get more. Like 'This loan will tide me over until payday.'
put in a request
To formally ask for something, often through a system or form. Common in offices, like requesting new equipment.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Hey Emily, do you happen to have any spare sticky notes?
This is a polite way to ask if someone has extra items. 'Do you happen to have' softens the request, making it casual and indirect. Use it in informal office chats to borrow supplies.
I'm completely out again.
A simple way to explain you have no more of something. 'Completely out' emphasizes total absence, and 'again' shows it happens often. Useful for expressing need without being demanding.
Would you mind if I took a small pad to keep?
A polite request for permission to take something permanently. The conditional 'would you mind if' structure is courteous. Great for asking to keep small supplies long-term.
Not at all, John! Help yourself.
Means 'no problem at all' and invites the person to take what they need. 'Help yourself' is idiomatic for self-service. Use to respond generously when offering items.
I usually stock up when I order supplies for the team.
Explains a habit of buying extra in advance. Present simple 'usually' shows routine, and 'stock up' means preparing a lot. Helpful for sharing how you manage office supplies.
This will really tide me over.
Means this help will last temporarily until you get more. Phrasal verb 'tide over' is practical for thanking someone for short-term aid. Use after receiving borrowed items.
No worries at all. Glad I could help!
A friendly way to say 'don't worry' and express happiness in assisting. 'No worries' is casual reassurance. Perfect for ending helpful conversations positively.