Asking for things in English can be easy and stress-free if you remember a few key phrases. This lesson will equip you with the tools to confidently ask for what you need, from simple requests to more formal situations.
Previous Conversation Tip Lesson
Short Phrases to Talk About Food
Asking Questions in English Conversation
Asking clerks or at help desks
- (Hello.) Can / Could I have ….. please? (Falling intonation)
- (Good morning.) Can / Could you give / get me ….. please?
- (Good evening.) A table for five, please.
Interrupting people to ask them for something
Excuse me…
- …. Do you know if…?
- …. Do you have…?
- …. Do you accept …. (credit cards)?
- …. Is this the right way for…. (the Police station)?
- …. Could you tell me if …. (there’s a hospital near here)?
In more formal situations
Excuse me…
- …. Would you mind …. (watching my bag?)
- …. I wonder if you could …. (make some space for my backpack here?)
Responding to questions
Sometimes when you ask for something, the person you’re talking to might need more details. They’ll ask you a question, and if you weren’t expecting it, don’t panic! Just buy yourself a few seconds to think by saying something like “Oh,” “Ah,” “Um,” or “Er.” These little sounds give you time to formulate your answer. Remember, a moment of silence can make the other person feel awkward, so a small filler word is better than nothing.
- You: I’d like to buy a weekly metro pass, please.
Clerk: Single or return?
You: Um, I think I’ll go with return, thank you.
- (You are at the bureau de change)
Clerk: How would you like your money?
You: Oh, er, five tens and four fives, please.
- You: Hello. Can I have a brochure about local art galleries, please?
Clerk: Sure. Anything else?
You: Um, do you have any city maps available?
Speaking Tips
When requesting something from someone or asking them to do something for you, it is important to maintain a high level of politeness. Here are some ways you can do so!
Say hello
A hello and a smile go a long way! Say hello at the beginning of your request.
- Hello. I’d like to purchase a travel card, please.
In more formal situations, you can say “Good morning”, “Good afternoon” or “Good evening”.
- Good evening. We’ve reserved a double room.
Remember please and thank you. Please normally goes at the end of the sentence:
- A taxi to the airport, please.
- Could you tell me how to get to the nearest train station, please?
Say thank you
- Here’s your cash.
Thank you.
You can use “Yes, please” or “No, thank you” in response to a question:
- Would you like milk in your tea?
Yes, please./ No, thank you.
Say excuse me
If you ask someone who is doing something else, remember to say “excuse me”:
- Excuse me, do you have this shirt in a different color? (In a shop)
- Excuse me, could you tell me where the nearest pharmacy is? (On the street)
Structure of an example conversation
- Clerk greets you
- Hello, how can I help you today?
- You ask for something
- Hello. I’d like some information about…
- Can I have….
- Three stamps for Europe, please.
- Clerk asks you a question
- Do you have a library card? (at a library)
- Do you have a doctor’s note? (at a pharmacy)
- You answer
- Oh, er, yes, here it is. (at a library)
- Um, yes, I do. Here you go. (at a pharmacy)
- Clerk asks you if you need anything else
- Will that be all?
- (Is there) anything else?
- You answer
- Ah, actually I’d also like…
- No, that’s it, thanks / thank you.
Conclusion
Remember, a little politeness goes a long way, and everyone appreciates a friendly face and a clear request. So, next time you need to ask for something in English, don’t forget to greet with a smile, use polite language, and express your appreciation.
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Talking About Holidays in English
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