10 Ways to Ask for Help

Learn 10 ways to ask for help in English—essential for school, work, travel, and everyday life. Whether you’re lost, stuck on a task, or just need a hand, knowing how to ask clearly and politely makes a big difference. In this lesson, you’ll discover 10 practical phrases to ask for help in English, from casual to formal, so you can speak with confidence in any situation.

Asking for Help in English

Asking for help is a normal part of life—but in a new language, it can feel tricky. The good news? English has many friendly, natural-sounding phrases you can use. Below are 10 useful expressions, grouped by tone to help you choose the right one for the moment.

Polite and Common Phrases

Could you help me, please?
A gentle and widely accepted way to ask for assistance. Use this in most everyday situations—stores, classrooms, or with coworkers.
Example: “Could you help me, please? I can’t find the restroom.”

Would you mind helping me with this?
Very polite and considerate. Great when you’re asking someone to spend time or effort.
Example: “Would you mind helping me with this heavy box?”

I need some help, if you’re free.
Friendly and respectful—it shows you care about the other person’s time. Perfect for colleagues or neighbors.
Example: “I need some help, if you’re free. My printer isn’t working.”

Casual and Friendly Phrases

Can you give me a hand?
A relaxed, common phrase among friends or family. “Give me a hand” means “help me.”
Example: “Can you give me a hand moving this couch?”

Do you have a minute?
A soft way to check if someone is available before asking for help. Often used at work or school.
Example: “Do you have a minute? I’m stuck on this math problem.”

Any chance you could help me out?
Very informal and conversational—ideal with people you know well.
Example: “Any chance you could help me out with my resume?”

Formal or Professional Phrases

I’d appreciate your assistance.
Professional and respectful. Use this in emails, meetings, or formal settings.
Example: “I’d appreciate your assistance with the client presentation.”

May I ask for your help?
Extremely polite and slightly formal. Great when speaking to strangers, elders, or superiors.
Example: “May I ask for your help? I’m trying to locate Gate B12.”

Could I trouble you for a moment?
A humble and courteous phrase—common in British English but understood everywhere.
Example: “Could I trouble you for a moment? I think I left my bag in your office.”

I’m having trouble with… Could you help?
Clear and honest. Explaining your problem first makes your request easier to understand.
Example: “I’m having trouble with the Wi-Fi password. Could you help?”

Real-Life Dialogues

At a café (Casual):
A: “Hey, do you have a minute?”
B: “Sure!”
A: “Can you give me a hand carrying these trays? My hands are full.”

In an office (Polite):
A: “Hi Priya, may I ask for your help?”
B: “Of course!”
A: “I’m having trouble with the formatting on this report. Would you mind taking a look?”

At the airport (Formal):
A: “Excuse me, could I trouble you for a moment?”
B: “Yes, how can I help?”
A: “I’d appreciate your assistance. I can’t find the check-in counter for Flight 204.”

Quick Tips: When to Use Which Phrase

• Use casual phrases (“Can you give me a hand?”) with friends, family, or peers.
• Choose polite phrases (“Could you help me, please?”) in public places, with strangers, or in everyday situations.
• Go for formal phrases (“I’d appreciate your assistance”) in professional emails, customer service, or when speaking to someone in authority.
• Always add “please” or a smile—it makes your request sound warmer!
• If you’re nervous, start with “Do you have a minute?” It gives the other person space to say yes or no kindly.

Asking for help isn’t a weakness—it’s a smart way to learn, connect, and solve problems. Now that you know these 10 ways to ask for help in English, you’re ready to speak up with confidence. Try using one of these phrases today, whether you’re ordering food, working on a project, or navigating a new city. You’ve got this!