Polite requests and offers
Asking for things, offering help, and saying yes or no gracefully.
10 minutes · A free lesson from Everyday conversation
Requests and replies
Asking
- Could you possibly…?
- Would you mind helping me with…?
- Is it all right if I…?
Saying yes
- Of course.
- Sure, no problem.
- Not at all.
Offering
- Would you like me to…?
- Shall I…?
- Let me know if you need anything.
Quick check: Your colleague asks: "Would you mind closing the window?" You are happy to. What do you say?
- Yes, I would.
- Not at all.
- Yes, I mind.
Show the answer
B: Not at all.
Lesson quiz
Check what you have learned. Choose an answer to see whether it is right, and why.
Quick check: Which phrase offers help?
- “Would you mind…?”
- “Is it all right if I…?”
- “Would you like me to…?”
Show the answer
C: “Would you like me to…?” — Would you mind…? and Is it all right if I…? ask for something. Shall I…? offers, too.
Quick check: “Is it all right if I open the window?” You agree. What do you say?
- “Yes, I mind.”
- “Sure, no problem.”
- “Not at all, I would.”
Show the answer
B: “Sure, no problem.” — Of course and Sure, no problem are friendly ways to say yes.
Quick check: “Would you mind waiting a moment?” You are happy to wait. What do you say?
- “No, of course not.”
- “Yes, I would.”
- “Yes!”
Show the answer
A: “No, of course not.” — Would you mind asks whether it is a problem, so the polite yes is no: not at all, or no, of course not.