Asking for Supplies
An employee needs a common office supply (e.g., pens, paper, stapler) and asks a colleague or the office manager for it.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
cabinet
A piece of furniture with doors or drawers used for storing items, like office supplies in a workplace.
break room
A shared room in an office where employees can relax, eat, or get supplies during breaks.
stash
A small hidden or personal supply of something useful, often kept for quick access.
sticky notes
Small pieces of paper with adhesive on the back for writing quick reminders that can stick to surfaces.
heads-up
Informal way to give advance notice or a tip about something important to watch out for.
strike out
Informal expression meaning to fail or have no success in finding or doing something.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Hey Michael, do you happen to know where we keep the extra pens? I'm completely out.
This is a polite way to ask for information in a casual workplace setting. 'Do you happen to know' softens the question to make it less direct, and 'I'm completely out' means you have none left. Useful for starting a request without sounding demanding.
Most of the general office supplies are in the cabinet next to the printer in the break room.
This sentence gives clear directions using prepositions like 'in,' 'next to,' and 'in' to describe location. It's practical for explaining where things are kept in an office, helping colleagues navigate shared spaces.
The break room, got it. I must have missed that. Thanks!
A quick way to acknowledge information and show understanding. 'Got it' is informal for 'I understand,' and 'I must have missed that' politely admits oversight. Use this to confirm and thank someone briefly.
If you can't find what you need there, let me know.
This offers further help using a conditional 'if' clause. It's a common polite expression in teamwork, showing willingness to assist, and useful for building good relationships at work.
And while I'm asking, do you know if we have any more of those sticky notes? The smaller ones?
This chains a second question politely with 'And while I'm asking.' It uses 'if' for a yes/no question and specifies 'the smaller ones' for clarity. Great for adding related requests without interrupting the conversation.
Check the same cabinet, but if they're not there, you might need to put in a request with Lisa from admin.
This gives advice with a contrast using 'but' and a suggestion with 'might need to.' 'Put in a request' means to formally ask for something. Useful for guiding someone through office procedures.
Thanks for the heads-up on Lisa.
An informal thank you for useful information. 'Heads-up' means advance notice. This is a natural way to appreciate tips in casual office talks, helping express gratitude quickly.
Let me know if you strike out with the pens.
Offers help if something fails, using 'strike out' idiomatically for 'fail.' The conditional 'if' makes it supportive. Use this to show you're available for backup in workplace interactions.