Asking and Offering Help

Asking means to ask Offer means will to give

Service/Help used to offer something physical or abstract to
service/help to others someone, which can be taken as
a help, gift or a trade.

Giving help means to give something physical

or abstract to someone, which can be taken as a
gift or a trade.

Both Asking and Offer can be given in terms of

food, money, solutions, friendship or a bargain.
It can be taken or refused.
Expressions of asking for help
 Asking help Formal  Asking help Informal
 Could you possibly help me?  Can you help me, please?
 Could I possibly ask you to help me?  I can’t manage. Can you help?

 Would you be willing to help me?  Give me a hand with this, will you?
 Could you do me a favour, please?  Lend me a hand with this, will you?
 Could you help me for a second?  Let me give you my hand.
Expressions of offering for help

 Offering help Formal  Offering help Informal

 Would you like some help?  Can I help you?

 May I help you?  Need any help?

 May I offer my assistance?  Do you need a hand?

 Could I help you?  Can I give you a hand?

 What can I do for you?  Do you need any help?

Expressions of giving for help

 Giving help Formal  Giving help Informal

 I’d like to help you.  I will do it for you.

 I’d be happy to help you.  Let me help you.

 Sure. what can I do for you?  Yes, I can help you

 Sure. I would be glad to help  Yes, no problem.

you
 Yes. How can I help you?
Responses for asking for help

 Accepting :  Declining:
 Certainly  Absolutely not

 No problem  Sorry, I can’t

 My pleasure  Sorry, I’m busy

 It’s not a big deal  I’m afraid I can’t do it

 Absolutely  I am sorry, I can’t help you now

Responses for offering help

 Acepting:  Declining:
 That’s terribly kind, Thank you  Sorry, I’m busy
very much.
 I’m afraid I can’t do it
 Yes, please do.
 I am sorry, I can’t help you now
 What a good idea!
 Sorry, I am busy right now
 Yes, please.
 I wish I could help you but I have to do
 Thanks. That would be some important tasks.
excellent.
Responses for giving help

 Acepting:  Declining:
 Certainly  Absolutely not

 No problem  Sorry, I can’t

 My pleasure  Sorry, I’m busy

 It’s not a big deal  I’m afraid I can’t do it

 Absolutely  I am sorry, I can’t help you now