Asking for a favor

Most of these phrases can be used in speech as well as in emails and text messages.

In general one should do these things in this order:

1) ESTABLISH THAT YOU'RE ASKING FOR A FAVOR

very informal, for a friend or peer:

“Could you do me a favor?”

“Do you mind helping me out with something?”

more formal, for someone you don't know as well, or someone in a position of authority:

“There’s something I was wondering if you could help me with.”

“I have a favor to ask of you.”

2) ESTABLISH WHAT YOU NEED

If you don’t know the person well or if they’re in a position of authority, don’t waste time getting to this point. They’ll want to know what it is you want.

“Our teacher is asking us to _______.”

“I’m doing a project for _______. I’m supposed to ______.” (Or, “I need to _____.”)

3) ASKING FOR THE FAVOR

"I'm wondering, would you mind ________?" (Or, "Would you be interested in____?")

"I'm wondering, if you have time, would you be interested in _______?"

"If you could spare a minute, would you mind ______?"

"Any chance you could _______?" (Or, "Any chance you'd have time to _______?" Or, "Any chance you'd be interested in _______?")

a bit more formal:

“I was wondering, would you be willing to _______.”

asking for a more significant favor:

"I'd really appreciate it if you could __________"

"I'd be really grateful if you could ________."

asking for a person to share their expertise:

"I'd be interested to ______ (hear about ____, learn about _____, etc)

"I'd love to hear about ______"

"I'd love to learn more about ______"

4a) EXPRESSING GRATITUDE WHEN THE PERSON AGREES

"Thanks! I really appreciate it!"

"That's great! Thank you so much, I really appreciate it!"

4b) RESPONDING GRACIOUSLY WHEN THE PERSON DOESN'T AGREE

"No worries, I totally understand."

"Good luck with __________" or "Hope _____ goes well" (the thing they said they had to do instead of help you)