Expressions to offer help

How to offer help

When you want to offer help, how do you make your
offer in English? It’s very common for English speakers
to offer help in the conversation just to be polite and
helpful. So there are some certain expressions that we
use in order to make your offer. And what exact
expressions are used? It’s always nice to offer help,
right? A lot of English learners get a little nervous to
open their mouth when they want to help. So I’m sure
these expressions are really helpful to you.
Let’s have a look at some expressions:

Can I …?

When you start making your offer, you might say “Can I
…?”. “Can I…?” is always a good choice of expression,
especially when you are in a social situation. Like when
you are in a party or you have guests at home.
• Can I get you a coffee?
• Can I be of any assistance to you? (Can I help you?)
Shall I…?

You can begin to make your offer by using the

phrase “Shall I…?”. This is a pretty formal way of
speaking. You can use this phrase when you are
at work, at school or at any formal places.

• Shall I help you with your work?

• Shall I take care of these files?
Would you like …?

You can offer help in another formal way by

using the phrase “Would you like…?”.

• Would you like to dance with me?

• Would you like to add some milk?
Do you want me to…?

There are times, you are not sure if your help

would be welcome. With a nice heart, you do
make an offer. However, you are not sure if the
other person is really happy. In that case you can
say:
• Do you want me to repair the computer for
you?
• Do you need me to check your math?
I’d be glad to help…
What you use the phrase “I’d be glad to help…”, it
means that you are really happy to help, you are very
excited. And you are very positive that your offer would
definitely be helpful, and will be happily accepted by
the other person. So you just say:

• I would be glad to help you making a phone call.

• I would be glad to give you a ride.
• I would be glad to assist you with your homework.
Accept offers
There are situations you accept offers or decline offers.
When you are at the other end, someone is asking if
he/she can help you. How do you accept it? Or, how do
you decline it?

Here are some phrases that you can use to respond to any
offers. If someone asks you politely, you might say “Yes,
please. I’d like to / I’d love to”.
A: Would you like to have a coffee?
B: Oh, yes please. I’d love to.
Accept offers

When you are at work and your colleague comes up

to you and offer help. And you are happy that
he/she is ready to assist you with the work. You
don’t want to show on your face that you are very
excited about their help. The best way to accept the
offer by saying:

A: Shall I take care of these files?

B: If you wouldn’t mind.
Decline offers

There are times you really don’t want any help, how
do you decline the offer made?

When you want to decline the offers without saying

something very rude like “No. I’ll manage.”. You
might say:

A: Would you like me to help you with this?

B: It’s OK. I can do it myself.
Decline offers

When you are at a shopping mall, you are looking to

buy something. A staff in the store comes up and
offer a help.

A: Are you looking for something? Do you need my

help?
B: Don’t worry. I’ll do it.
Example of dialog offering help

Security: Good afternoon, Sir. Can I help you?

Mr. Brown: Yes, please. I cannot find the book store. Where is it?
Security: The book store is on the third floor, Sir. It is next to the
shoe store.
Mr. Brown: Oh, I see.
Security: Shall I take you there, Sir?
Mr. Brown: No, I’m fine. Thank you.
Security: You’re welcome, Sir.
Example of dialog offering help

Mother: It’s really cold tonight.

Jessica: Should I bring you a blanket, Mom?
Mother: No, I’m fine. I’m already wearing my jacket.
Jessica: Okay, then. I’ll make you hot chocolate if you like.
Mother: Thanks, Sweetie.
Example of dialog offering help

Daniel: I think I lost my earphone.

Natalie: Really? Have you checked your bag?
Daniel: Yes, I have.
Natalie: Maybe you dropped it somewhere. Do you want me to
help you find it?
Daniel: It’s okay, thank you.
Natalie: Okay. What if I lend you mine? I still have one at home.
Daniel: Really? Thank you, Natalie.