Identify the Register
“My bad!”
Informal register
You are writing an email to your professor to request an extension. Which is the best option?
A. “Give me more time.”
B. “I would like to request an extension.”
C. “Hey, I need extra time.”
B. “I would like to request an extension.”
Make this request more formal:
“Can you help me?”
“Could you please assist me?” or “I would appreciate your assistance.”
“Could you help me, please?”
Neutral register.
You want to ask a classmate for help with homework. Which sounds most natural?
A. “Could you help me with this exercise?”
B. “I humbly request your assistance.”
C. “Yo, do this for me.”
A. “Could you help me with this exercise?”
You are asking your best friend to explain a difficult topic. Give an informal request.
“Hey, can you explain this to me?”
“I would appreciate your assistance.”
Formal register
You accidentally spill a drink on your best friend’s notebook. Which expression fits a casual conversation?
A. “I sincerely apologize for this incident.”
B. “My bad! I’m sorry.”
C. “I would like to express my regret.”
B. “My bad! I’m sorry.”
You are meeting your best friend’s parents for the first time. How would you greet them politely?
"Hello, it’s a pleasure to meet you."
“I apologize for the inconvenience.”
Formal register.
You are speaking to a university director at an official meeting. You need help. What would you say?
A. “Hey, help me out.”
B. “I would appreciate your assistance.”
C. “Gimme a hand.”
B. “I would appreciate your assistance.”
You want to ask your ex-partner to return a book. Give a polite, neutral request.
“Could you please return my book?”
“Hey, can you give me a hand?”
Informal register
You are at a restaurant, and you want to ask the waiter for some water. Give an appropriate expression and explain why it fits the situation.
“Could/can I have some water, please?”
You need the same HELP from two people: your university director and your best friend. Give one suitable request for each one.
Director: “I would appreciate your assistance.”
Best friend: “Hey, can you give me a hand?”