Asking Your Co-Worker for Help
Useful Expressions
- Do you have a spare moment?
- Do you have some free time?
- Could you give me a hand?
- Could you help me out with something?
- Could you do me a favor?
- I could use some help with this.
- Sure thing.
- I could give you a hand with that.
- I’m happy to help.
- I’m glad I could help.
Dialogue Practice
Read the dialogue aloud with your teacher.
James is having trouble finishing a monthly report and asks Matt for help. | |
 James | Hey, Matt! Do you have some spare time? |
 Matt | I think so. What's wrong? |
 James | This monthly report is killing me. I have so much data to analyze and not enough time. Do you think you could help me out with it? |
 Matt | Sure thing, I could give you a hand. Where do you want me to start? |
 James | How about the sales report from the new shop? |
 Matt | Deal! |
 James | Thanks to you, I think I will be able to hand it in on time. I owe you one. |
 Matt | No problem. I’m happy to help. |
Check your understanding:
1.
Why did James ask for help?
2.
Is Matt willing to help James?
3.
Where does James want Matt to start?
Role Play
Role-play the following situation with your teacher.
Situation
Your boss asks you to update the contents of the company's website, but you are new in the office and you don’t know how to do it. You ask your colleague for help. Your teacher will act as your colleague. You may use the following expressions:
- Do you have a spare moment?
- Do you think you could lend me a hand?
- I owe you!
- You're a life saver!
- If there's anything I can ever help you with, please let me know.
Discussion
1.
Have you ever been in a situation where no one could help you? What did you do then?
2.
Has someone you helped ever taken credit for your work?
3.
How do you deal with the time pressure/deadlines at work?
4.
Do you work well under pressure? Can you give examples of situations where you had to work under pressure?
