Page 12 - English for Executive Administrative Assistant

Language Focus

Expression for Requesting and offering

Offering and requesting things are important every time we want to be polite or to host people at your
office or in a business meeting. We can use the phrases below to offer or request something. You can also
find some phrases when you want to accept or decline an offer/request.

Offering and Requesting in a Formal way
- I’d be happy to (do something)
This construction is a formal way of offering help. It is often used in the
workplace between people who do not know each other well
- I can (do something)
It is a kind way to offer help to someone, in both its interrogative and
affirmative forms.
You can also use modals to make your request a formal way
- Could you please…
- Would you please ….
- Shall I help you with …

Offering and requesting in an informal way
- Can you help me
- Will you ….
Way to accept/decline an offer or request a formal way
- That would be nice
- Yes, if you don’t mind
- Yes, I’d love some
- No thank you, I don’t want to disturb
- That’s very kind of you. Unfortunately, I …. Reason
- I’d like to, but … (reason)

Expressions to accept/decline an offer or request in informal way
- Sure thank you,
- That’s a good idea
- I’m okay, thank you
- Thank you, but you don’t need to worry
- Thanks, but… reason
- No, thanks
- That’s alright.

4 | P a g e
English for Executive Administrative Assistant