A Trinity College London Registered Examination Centre
There are a number of formulas used when offering help in English. Here are some of the most common:
- May I help you?
- Can I help you?
- Are you looking for something?
- Would you like some help?
- Do you need some help?
- What can I do for you today?
Construction
| Formula | + Verb Form |
| May I help you? | Use 'May I' or 'Can I' + the base form of the verb in a statement. |
| Are you looking for something? | Use 'Are you looking for' + something OR anything in particular OR specific object |
| Would you like some help? | Use 'Would you like' + some help OR some advice OR a recommendation |
| Do you need some help? | Use 'Do you need' + some help OR some advice OR a recommendation |
| What can I do for you today? | Use 'What can I do for' + you, her, him, etc. + today OR this morning, this afternoon, this evening |