Learning how to request things politely and offer help or items to others is super important in English conversations! If you’re just starting to learn English (A1 level), understanding these simple phrases will make your everyday interactions much smoother and more friendly. This lesson will show you easy ways to make requests and offers in English, so you can start practicing right away!

What is Requesting and Offering in English?

Let’s understand what we mean by “requesting” and “offering“.

Requesting

Requesting means asking someone to do something or to give you something. It’s like politely asking for help or for permission. For example, if you want someone to close the window because you’re cold, you would make a request.

Example: “Could you close the window, please?”

Offering

Offering means saying you are willing to do something for someone or give them something. It’s like being helpful and kind. For example, if you see someone struggling with heavy bags, you might offer to help them.

Example: “Can I help you with those bags?”

How to Make Simple Requests in English

For beginners, the easiest way to make requests is to use simple and polite phrases. Here are a few useful phrases you can use:

1. Can I…? – Use this to ask for permission or to ask for something for yourself.
   Example: “Can I have a glass of water, please?”
2. Can you…? – Use this to ask someone to do something for you.
   Example: “Can you help me, please?”
3. Could you…? – This is a bit more polite than “Can you…?” and is great for making gentle requests.
   Example: “Could you please open the door?”
4. Please… – You can add “please” to make any request more polite.
   Example: “Please pass the salt.”

Remember to say “please” when you make a request. It makes your request sound much nicer!

How to Make Simple Offers in English

Just like with requests, there are easy phrases to use when you want to offer something in English. Here are some common ways to make offers:

1. Can I…? – You can also use “Can I…?” to offer to do something for someone else.
   Example: “Can I help you?” (when someone looks like they need help)
2. Would you like…? – This is a very polite way to offer something, especially food or drink.
   Example: “Would you like a cup of tea?”
3. Do you want…? – This is a more informal way to offer something.
   Example: “Do you want some help with that?”
4. Let me… – Use this to offer to do something directly.
   Example: “Let me open the door for you.”

When you make an offer, be friendly and smile! It makes people feel more comfortable accepting your offer.

Everyday Phrases for Requesting and Offering in English Conversations

Let’s look at some more examples of how you can use these phrases in everyday situations. These everyday English phrases are perfect for beginners.

Examples of Requesting Phrases:

• “Excuse me, can I ask a question?”
• “Could you tell me the time, please?”
• “Can I have the menu, please?” (in a restaurant)
• “Please, can you help me find this address?”
• “Could I get a coffee, please?” (in a cafe)

Examples of Offering Phrases:

• “Would you like some water?”
• “Can I get you anything else?” (in a shop or restaurant)
• “Let me carry that for you.” (if someone has something heavy)
• “Do you want me to call a taxi?”
• “Can I help with your homework?”

Let’s Practice Requesting and Offering!

Now it’s your turn to practice! Try these exercises to check your understanding of basic English requests and offers.

Exercise 1: Matching

Match the situation with the best request or offer.

1. You are thirsty in class.
2. You see someone carrying heavy bags.
3. You want to know the price of a shirt in a shop.
4. You want someone to close the window because it’s cold.
5. You want to help a friend with their homework.

Choose from these options:

1. “Would you like some help with those bags?”
2. “Can I have a glass of water, please?”
3. “Could you close the window, please?”
4. “Can I help you with your homework?”
5. “Excuse me, how much is this shirt?”

Exercise 2: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the sentences with can, could, would, or let.

1. _______ you help me with this exercise?
2. _______ I have a pen, please?
3. _______ you like a piece of cake?
4. _______ me show you how to do it.
5. _______ I get a coffee to go, please?

Exercise 3: Role-play

Imagine these situations and practice saying a request or an offer out loud. Try to be polite and friendly!

1. You are in a cafe. You want to order a sandwich. What do you say to the waiter?
2. You see your friend struggling to open a jar. What do you offer?
3. You are cold in the office. You want your colleague to close the door. What do you ask?

Answers to Practice Exercises

Answers to Exercise 1: Matching

1. 2 – “Can I have a glass of water, please?”
2. 1 – “Would you like some help with those bags?”
3. 5 – “Excuse me, how much is this shirt?”
4. 3 – “Could you close the window, please?”
5. 4 – “Can I help you with your homework?”

Answers to Exercise 2: Fill in the Blanks

1. Could you help me with this exercise?
2. Can I have a pen, please?
3. Would you like a piece of cake?
4. Let me show you how to do it.
5. Could I get a coffee to go, please?

Great job practicing your requesting and offering in English! Remember, the best way to learn is to practice speaking. To improve your spoken English and get more practice with everyday English phrases like these, check out Lingofrnd.com. Lingofrnd is your AI spoken English teacher that can help you practice these phrases and build your confidence in speaking English. You can also Download App and practice anytime, anywhere. Start speaking English more confidently today!