Asking, offering, accepting, and declining help in English

Asking for help phrases

Explaining the problem or situation

1. I’m having trouble with...
2. I’m not sure how to...
3. I’m a bit stuck with...
4. I can’t seem to figure out...
5. I don’t understand how to...
6. I’m struggling with...
7. I’m struggling to get the hang of...
8. I'm finding it difficult to...
9. I’m not really clear on...
10. I’m having a hard time understanding...
11. I can’t quite grasp...
12. It’s a challenge for me to...
13. I’m not very familiar with...
14. I’m at a loss with...
15. I’ve hit a roadblock with...
16. I’m puzzled by...

Examples

I’m having trouble with my math homework.
I’m not sure how to change a flat tire.
I’m a bit stuck with my essay.
I can’t seem to figure out how to solve this sudoku.
I don’t understand this manual.
I’m struggling with learning a new language.
I’m struggling to get the hang of playing the guitar.
I’m finding it difficult to stay focused for more than an hour.
I’m not really clear on the new company policy.
I’m having a hard time understanding this lesson.
I can’t quite grasp the rules of this game.
It’s a challenge for me to speak in public.
I’m not very familiar with this neighbourhood.
I’m at a loss with what to do about this situation.
I’ve hit a roadblock with my project at work.
I’m puzzled by this riddle.

Common expressions to ask for help

1. Could/Can you please help me with...?
2. Could/Can you help me ...?
3. Could/Can you give me a hand with...?
4. Would you mind assisting me with...?
5. Could/Can you do me a favour?
6. Could/Can you lend me a hand?
7. Could/Can you show me how to...?
8. I could use some help...

Examples

Can you please help me with my homework?
Can you help me find my keys, please?
Can you give me a hand with this heavy box?
Would you mind assisting me with filling out this form?
Could you show me how to use this washing machine, please?
I could use some help doing the dishes if you’re not too busy.

Offering help

Below is a list of common expressions native English speakers use when offering help. Familiarise yourself with these phrases to communicate more effectively and naturally in various situations.

1. Can I give you a hand with that?
2. Do you need any assistance?
3. Let me know if you need a hand.
4. If you need help, just give me a shout.
5. I’m here to help if you need it.
6. Don’t hesitate to ask if you need some help.
7. I’d be happy to assist you with that.
8. Would you like me to help you out?
9. Need a hand with anything?
10. If you need any help, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
11. Let me know if there’s anything I can do to help.
12. If you require any assistance, feel free to ask.
13. I’m always here to lend a helping hand.
14. Do you need some support with that?
15. Is there anything I can do to make things easier for you?

Accepting help

When you receive assistance from others, it's courteous to show your appreciation for their time and effort. Here are some common expressions you can use when accepting help from others.

1. Thanks, I’d really appreciate that.
2. That would be great, thank you.
3. Yes, please, that would be very helpful.
4. I could use some help, thank you.
5. Thanks for offering, I’ll take you up on that.
6. I appreciate your assistance, thanks.
7. Sure, I could use a hand, thank you.
8. I’d be grateful for your help, thanks.
9. Sure your help would be much appreciated.
10. That’s very kind of you, thank you.
11. I’d love some help, thank you.
12. Thank you, your support means a lot.
13. Yes, please, I could really use your help.
14. Thanks for stepping in, I appreciate it.

Declining help

When you want to politely decline assistance from others, it’s important to convey your appreciation for their offer while reassuring them that you can manage the task at hand. Below is a list of common expressions you can use to gracefully decline help from others.