9 ways to offer to help someone

I have seen another article from this site hope you enjoyyyyyyyyy:D :D  When you want to help someone, how do you make your offer in English?

There are a lot of different ways to offer your assistance. Which phrase you should choose depends on the situation. Here are some English phrases for offering help that you should definitely know! They're arranged roughly in order from most casual to most formal.

1. I'll (do something).

This is a really simple, casual way to offer to help someone. Use this phrase when you're pretty sure that the other person will be happy to receive your help.

I'll go pick up all the stuff we need.

I'll hold the door open for you.

 

2. Let me (do something).

If you want to be a little more polite, but still very friendly, use "Let me..."

Here – let me adjust the seat for you.

That's a good question. Let me find out for you.

 

3. Why don't I (do something)?

Sometimes you're not quite so sure that your help will be welcomed. In that case, "Why don't I..." might be a better choice than the previous two expressions.

Why don't I send you an email outlining what we talked about today, and you can just respond to that?

You can also say "Why don't we...":

Why don't we exchange business cards?

Even though "Why don't I..." is phrased as a question, it's pronounced as a statement. Your voice doesn't rise at the end.

 

4. Do you want me to (do something)?
   Do you want (something)?

If you're even less sure about your offer, then you should ask and wait for an answer. The phrase "Do you want...?" is a good choice.

Do you want me to take over?

You can also leave off "Do" at the beginning in spoken English:

I'm headed out to grab some lunch. You want me to pick you up something?

You want to meet up after class and go over it?

 

5. Would you like me to (do something)?
   Would you like (something)?

Similar to "Do you want me to...", this phrase is a little more formal.

Would you like me to close the window?

You might use "Would you like me to..." with customers, or with relatives who you don't see very often.

 

6. I can (do something).

You can also make polite offers with "I can..."

For example, an employee in a clothing store might say this to a customer:

I can assist you with that.

Or you can say to a guest in your home:

I can adjust the temperature, if you want.

 

7. Can I (do something)?

In formal situations, you can offer help by asking "Can I...?" It makes it seem like you're really happy to help. This is a good choice for social situations like having guests in your home. 

Can I get you something to drink?

Can I recommend the Cabernet Sauvignon?

 

8. I'd be happy to (do something).

This is another formal phrase. You can use it in business and professional situations.

We have a few more minutes, so I'd be happy to take some questions from the audience.

I'd be happy schedule a time to meet and talk with you about it.

 

9. May I offer you (something)?

This is a very formal way to make an offer. It sounds fancy.

May I offer you a complimentary dessert?

 

There are no hard-and-fast rules about when you can use each phrase and when you can't. But hopefully this article will get you started on picking the best phrase for each situation.

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Comments

  • Yes Hamid I do remember and I am so happy to see that is useful for you and you read that :-)

    Take care :)))

  • Yes Sima,I've studied before.Actually you've introduced me one week ago.you remember? :)

  • Dear lovely sewar ..Yes your mother is absolutely right more than that helping other people make us happy and give us mental health .the sense of being useful is so precious :)
    Thanks for sharing your mother's great advice :)
    Be in safe of Allah you and your family :)

  •        My friend, my mother have taught me a lot of things, one of them is:"Helping people is noble moral behavior you have to learn, the secret of it is in how to offer your help". Thanks my cute friend for reminding me one of my mother's value lessons. God bless you and your lovely family as well.

  •  Sono ,⊱ Mickey ⊰,tawfeeq, Expector Smith ,Bala from India ....

    I am sleepy :-! 

    You are most welcome :D :-*

  • Hei...Blinking Sis...

    What I have to say use now ??? hmm... I'll comment on ur blog, or Let me comment on ur blog or May I comment on ur blog or I would be happy to comment on ur blog or.......hehehe, I m so tired sis, let me continue the balance afterwards...hehehe...I want ur help now to finish this otherwise....

    BTW, Very Informative Blog Sis.....

  • Thanks for sharing, Sima!

  • Nice blog Simmmmmmmmma , Thank you for sharing us .

  • @ Sima... Hi my special friends in this great general Club. Nice blog sima. in one word "you rock"

  • Sis sima, I need you help... giggling~

    There are many ways to offer help just you have a kind heart!

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