Useful English Phrases to Ask for Help

Asking for help is an important skill that we need to develop in order to communicate effectively with our classmates and colleagues.

Note: In English “a hand” sometimes means “help“

to lend someone a hand = to help someone

Example: I was very busy with the clients, so John lent me a hand with the final report.

As you can see, in English there are different ways of asking for help. Here there is a list of useful English phrases that you can use instead of saying:

Help me, please.

1. Could you help me, please?

/kudju help mee pleez/

2. Could you lend me a hand?

/kudju lenmee uh hand/

3. Would you mind lending me a hand?

/wudju mind lenduhng mee uh hand/

4. Can I ask a favor?

/kuhnai askuh fAyvr/

5. Can you do me a favor?

/kuhnju doo mee uh fAyvr

6. I have a favor to ask.

/ai havuh fAyvr tuhask/

7. I need a big favor.

/ai needuh big fAyvr/

8. Do you have a minute?

/duju havuh minut/

9. Could you help me _________ ? (verb in the base form)

/kuhdju help mee ______ /

10. Could you ________ for me? (verb in the base form)

/kuhdju _______ for mee/

Practice Time

Read each of the phrases and record yourself. Listen to your voice.

1. For you, what sounds are difficult to pronounce?
2. How many times can you say each of the sentences without making a mistake?

Share your answers in the comments below.