JustLearn English. Ask for help politely — English through real life. Listen, pause and repeat. This lesson uses a synthetic voice.

Maya is preparing a short presentation. She understands the topic, but she is not sure whether her first slide is clear. She asks her colleague Ben for help.

Maya says, ‘Could you look at my first slide, please? I would like to know whether the main point is clear. It should take about ten minutes.’ Ben says, ‘I cannot do it this morning, but I can look at it after lunch.’

Maya replies, ‘That would be helpful. Would two o’clock work for you?’ Ben agrees. Maya sends only the first slide and the question she wants him to answer. She does not expect Ben to rewrite the whole presentation.

A clear request explains what you need. It also gives the other person room to say yes, suggest a different time or say no.

Maya. Could you look at my first slide, please?
Ben. What would you like me to check?
Maya. Is the main point clear? It should take about ten minutes.
Ben. I cannot do it this morning, but I can look after lunch.
Maya. Thank you. Would two o’clock work for you?
Ben. Yes, that works for me.

Use could + subject + base verb to make a polite request: Could you check this? Use would to propose an arrangement: Would two o’clock work for you? Could you is often more tentative than Can you; either can be polite in a suitable context and tone. Polite wording does not remove the other person’s right to decline.

Say ‘Could you help me?’ as a complete phrase, with the main stress on HELP. Practise ‘Would TWO o’clock WORK for you?’ The capital letters show useful practice stresses, not a rule for every situation. Listen, pause, then repeat at a comfortable pace.

Your turn. Work with a partner. Person A needs help checking a short email. Person B has only five minutes today. Make a request, explain the task, offer a limit and agree what is possible. Then change roles. Studying alone? Speak both parts aloud and record yourself only if you wish. Pause here to practise. Then use the activities and answers on the JustLearn English website.