Words (Core Vocabulary)
- request / favour / permission
- could / would / would you mind / is it possible
- offer / lend a hand / help out
- suggest / recommend / propose
- deadline / by when / ASAP (use sparingly)
- available / timing / pickup / drop-off
Phrases (Ask → offer → suggest → accept/decline)
Polite requests
- Could you send the file by 3 p.m., please?
- Would you mind watching my bag for two minutes?
- Is it possible to switch to Thursday afternoon?
Offering help
- Happy to help—I can drive you there.
- Want me to grab extras from the store?
- I can cover the first shift if that helps.
Suggestions
- How about we meet at 10 and keep it to 30 minutes?
- We could try a pilot before deciding.
- It might be better to order ahead—lines get long.
Accepting & declining
- That would be great—thanks!
- I appreciate it, but I’m all set.
- Thanks for asking— I can’t this week.
Contextual Examples (Natural, everyday)
- Neighbour: Could you bring in our mail this weekend? No worries if not.
- Coworker: Want me to send the slides after the meeting?
- Plan: How about pizza on Friday—any dietary needs?
Collocations & Phrases (bold the key words)
- make a polite request
- set a timeline
- offer assistance
- propose a plan
- accept/decline graciously
- follow up with thanks
Canadian Cultural Context
- Add a softener (“Could you…,” “Would you mind…”) and a thanks; it reads warm, not pushy.
- If declining, brief + kind works: “Thanks—can’t this time.”
Extra Mini-Patterns (plug-and-play)
- Request: “Would you mind emailing the form today? Thanks either way.”
- Offer: “I’m heading out— want me to pick up anything?”
- Suggest: “We could try a small pilot next week.”