How to ask for a favor in English

If you have just joined a company, there are certainly many things you do not know. Even if you have been working in an organization for several years, there are probably STILL many things you do not know — whether you want to admit it or not. The reality is that we are inevitably faced, at one time or another, with a situation where we need help from someone else. For many of us, asking for a favor is not something we like to do.

It can give us a sense of obligation — as if we owe something to the person who helped us. It can also touch our ego. Many of us are very proud to be experts in our field, so it is only natural that we want to help others rather than receive help. What is interesting is that asking for a favor can actually make you more likable and strengthen your relationships. The Ben Franklin effect is a psychological phenomenon whereby a person feels more connected to someone who has asked them for a favor.

There are several possible reasons for this. First, when someone asks you for a favour, you feel good! It gives you a sense of pride knowing that out of all the people that person could have come to, they came to you. This could be either because they trust you – which implies that you are trustworthy. Or, this could be because you know your stuff – suggesting that you’re smart or even a specialist on the topic. It can also be because that person considers you a friend – and we all like feeling liked.

It can also reverse roles momentarily and give a mentee an opportunity to be a mentor – the desire to teach and guide others is something natural within us. So, when someone asks for a favour, they are willing to accept your guidance. That gives people a wonderful feeling, which they associate with the person that has succeeded in making them feel this way.

Why does feeling trustworthy, appreciated, and intelligent feel good to us?

Putting it simply, we feel good because of the release of certain chemicals in our body. The four chemicals that make us feel good are endorphins, oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine. When someone makes you feel trustworthy, that helps to release oxytocin – making you feel happy. Similarly, feeling respected or smarter than someone else can help to release serotonin, which feels euphoric!

So, the next time you have some trouble with Excel or you can’t seem to find your way to the cafeteria, don’t hesitate to ask someone for help. You’re actually doing THEM a favour by giving them a well-appreciated release of ‘happy chemicals’. What’s more, in turn, that person will feel like they can trust you because you’ve trusted them. At the end of the day, rather than looking weak or vulnerable, you may actually be perceived as human, likeable, modest, or respectful..

Now, how can we actually go about asking someone for help?

20 English phrases to use when you need a favor

Straight to the point

I have a favor to ask you.

I’ve got a favor to ask.

I need your help.

I’m really stuck here… Could you help me out?

I really need you to help me out here…

I need your help on something.

You have to help me with something.

Would you mind…

Could I ask you for a favor?

Very politely

You’d really be helping me out if…

I know that you’re swamped, but do you think you could…

Hey, I hate to be asking you this, but…

I’m completely lost. Do you think you could have a look at this for me?

Could I please get your opinion on something?

With great appreciation

I’ll really owe you for this one.

I owe you big.

I would really appreciate it if you…

You’re a lifesaver.

You can’t imagine how much this means to me.

You’re really helping me out of a jam.

I’ll be indebted to you forever if you can help me…