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Offers

When we offer, we ask someone if they would like to have something or if they would like us to do something for them. We usually say yes, please or no, thanks when we reply to offers.

Offers of food or drinks​

  • A: Would you like some cake?
  • B: Oh yes, please. It looks delicious.
  • A: Can I get you more juice?
  • B: No, thanks.

In more informal offers, we can use want or a noun phrase with a questioning intonation:

  • Do you want some more salad, Peter?
  • A: Want some of my sandwich?
  • B: No, thanks.
  • A: Tea?
  • B: Oh yes, please.

Offers to do something for someone​

  • A: Shall I wash the car?
  • B: Oh, that would be great, thanks.
  • A: Would you like me to walk you home?
  • B: No, thanks.
warning

We don’t use the present simple to offer to do something for someone. We most commonly use ’ll:

  • I’ll do the ironing if you want.
  • Not: I do the ironing …
  • Jim’s doing nothing. He’ll walk the dog for you if you like.

Offers to do something in different situations​

[A is visiting B’s house. B is preparing dinner]

  • A: Is there anything I can do?
  • B: Actually yes, you can chop these carrots while I wash the potatoes.

[in a shop, A is the shop assistant and B is the customer]

  • A: Can I help you?
  • B: No, thanks. I’m just looking around.

[on a telephone helpline]

  • A: Hi my name is Inez. How may I help you?
  • B: Well, there’s something wrong with my internet connection …

[at an information desk]

  • A: What can I do for you?
  • B: I’m interested in seeing the city centre. Is there a bus tour, or something like that, that I can take?

When we are almost certain that a person would like something, we can use let me:

  • Let me get you some more soup.
  • Let me carry your bag. That’s too heavy for you.
See also
  • Would
  • Can