How do you ask for a favor in English?

Question

What are the common ways to ask for a favor?

Answer 1

I would ask by being as direct as possible.

"My car broke down. Would you be able to give me a ride to school?"

"If you have a minute, will you help me with this problem?"

Don't be afraid to ask when you need help! :-)

Answer 2

When I ask for a favor, I usually start by saying, "Hey, I could really use your help with something, and I thought that you would be the perfect person to ask. Can you please <fill in the blank>?" By starting with a bit of shameless flattery, this usually (but not always) helps my cause.

Some other ways to ask for a favor.

1. "Hey, I have a big ask for you. I realize that I'm requesting a lot here, but I thought that you might be able to help me out with something."
2. "Would you be willing to do me a HUGE favor? . . . Okay, well here's what I'm thinking . . ."
3. "Hey, remember how last year I <shoveled out your driveway / gave your car a jump start / lent you some money>? Well, today I was hoping that you would help me out with this thing I have going."

Answer 3

I second Courtney's answer. Often times I humbly ask my peers a question (such as: How do you do this? How did you get this answer?) and answer a question for them in return (such as: This is how you do this, and here is how I got the answer.). This back-and-forth communication between peers is ideal to understanding concepts that multiple people may be struggling with. However, that is from more of an academic student perspective rather than general social perspective. Simple questions Courtney provided are more useful in those settings.

Thanks,

Olivia W-Private Tutor

Answer 4

Hi Students: Common ways to ask for a favor in English are: May I borrow something? Could you lend me (that book)? To pick someone up (give them a ride.) Pick up the check (pay the bill at a restaurant.) Lend someone a hand (help them out.) And: could you spare a moment (do you have time to talk?) Thanks, Courtney W., MA

Answer 5

Can I ask you for a favor?