Asking for a Favor
Asking for a Favor
April 14, 2022
Asking for a favor refers to asking someone to do something for you. Use these phrase to politely ask for a favor. When someone asks you for a favor, you'll have to either grant it (say yes) or refuse it (say no). Pay special attention to the form of the verb used in each use.
Could/Would you do me a favor?
Could you do me a favor? is used to find out if someone will do a favor for you as a way to begin the conversation. The form Would you do me a favor? is more formal.
Could you please + verb
Use the simple form of the verb (do) to ask for help with specific actions such as asking for help in daily situations.
- Could you please take me to holiday?
- Could you please lend me a book?
Could you possibly + verb
Use the simple form the of the verb to ask for help with specific situations while being extremely polite.
- Could you possibly work overtime today?
- Could I possibly take some time off to help?
Could I ask/bother/trouble you + infinitive
Use the infinitive form of the verb (to do) to ask for a favor in formal situations.
- Could I ask you to help my sister?
- Could I bother you to give me a ride to work?
- Could I trouble you to open the door for me?
Would you mind + verb + ing
Use the gerund form of the verb (doing) to ask for a favor in everyday situations.
- Would you mind closing the door?
- Would you mind singing party tonight?
Would it be too much trouble for you + infinitive
Use this form with the infinitive to ask for a favor in very formal situations.
- Would it be too much trouble for you to let me come in late tomorrow?
- Would it be too much trouble for you to take a look at this magazine?
May I + verb?
Use the simple form of the verb with "may" when the favor you're asking requires permission.
- May I leave class early?
- May we use your laptop?
Granting a Favor
If you would like to say "yes" to someone who asks you for a favor, you can grant the favor using these phrases:
- Sure.
- No problem.
- I'd be happy to help you.
- It would be my pleasure.
- I'd be glad to help out.
Refusing a favor
If you are unable to help out and need to say "no", you can refuse a favor with these responses:
- I'm afraid I can't.
- Sorry, but I'm unable + infinitive.
- Unfortunately, I'm not able + infinitive.
- Regrettably, I can't + verb.