W H AT A R E T H E Y D O I N G ?

W H AT A R E T H E Y TA L K I N G A B O U T ?
HOW TO ASK
FOR AND OFFER
HELP
ENGLISH XII
OFFERING HELP
Offering Help Affirmatives Offering Help Interrogatives

I’d be happy to (do something): a very formal May I (do something)?

• I’d be happy to go with you. • May I offer you my help?

I can (do something): The modal verb Would you like me to (do something)?

• I can write this email for you. • Would you like me to open the window?

Let me (do something): informal Can I (do something)?

• Let me help you with your jacket. • Can I give you a lift?

I will (do something): informal Do you want me to (do something)?

• I’ll go shopping for you. • Do you want me to come to pick you up?
Shall I (do something)?
• Shall I help you with your homework?
ASKING FOR HELP
Requesting Help Interrogatives
Would you mind (doing something)?: the
most polite and formal
• Would you mind helping me find my keys?
Would you (do something)?
Using Question Tags
• You couldn’t tell me where the police
station is, could you?
• You wouldn’t know where I can find a
good restaurant near here, would you?

• Would you help me carry this bag?

Could you (do something)?
• Could you come here, please?
Do you (do something)?
Do you want me to go for you?
USAGE IN DIALOG
X: Excuse me, Sir. Can I take this trolley to the parking lot? I can’t lift all these.

Y: I’m afraid you can’t do that, Ma’am. This is not the right trolley.

X: I want to take another trolley but I can’t leave my groceries here.

Y: Would you like me to take them to your car?

X: Just what I need! Thank you.