Asking for Help and Giving Advice
Common Phrases to Ask for Help
- Can you help me?
- What do you think I should do?
- Do you think I ought to…?
- If you were me, what would you do?
- Do you have any ideas for me?
- Can you give me some advice/suggestions?
Common Phrases to Give Advice
- I think you had better…
- If I were you, I would…
- It would probably be a good idea to…
- Why don’t you…?
- How about if you…?
- My advice is…
- I recommend that you…
Modal Verbs
When you give advice, you often use modal verbs. Modal verbs are never the main verb in the sentence. Instead, they precede the main verb.
- Can/Could- Modals of Ability
- This verb gives an idea or suggestion. [Memberikan kemungkinan]
- Example: If you want to make new friends, you can join a club.
- Example: If you dislike where you live, you could move.
- Should/Ought to- Modals of Advice
- This verb gives a stronger suggestion.
- Example: If you get robbed, you should go to the police.
- Example: If you want to lose weight, you ought to exercise more.
- Must/Have to- Modals of Necessity
- This verb gives the strongest suggestion. [Nggak ada pilihan lain]
- Example: If you feel sick, you must go to the doctor.
- Example: If you don’t want to get wet, you must buy an umbrella and raincoat.
Notice how the basic form of the other verb always follows these modal verbs:
- If you want fresh vegetables, you can plant a garden.
- If get in a fight with your friend, you should apologize.
- If you enjoy making art, you could take a drawing class.
- Incorrect: If you are scared of the dark, you must buying a nightlight.
- Correct: If you are scared of the dark, you must buy a nightlight.
Example Dialogue:
Rachel: “I give up. It’s hopeless.”
David: “Are you okay/Is something bothering you/What’s the matter?”
Rachel: “I have a big problem. My boss just fired me! Can you help me?”
David: “I’m sorry to hear that. Of course I can help you. Let me give you some advice. You should find a new job. For instance, go work in a restaurant.”
Rachel: “Okay. Thanks for your suggestion. I’ll give it a try.”
David: “No problem/Don’t mention it/You’re welcome/Good luck!”
- Remember you can use many different phrases for “Can you help me?” and “Let me give you some advice.”
- Here, should is the modal verb. If David used “could,” it would be a less strong suggestion. If he used “must,” it would be a stronger suggestion.
New Vocabulary
- To suggest/recommend/advise- Menyarankan
- Debt- Utang
- Addicted- Kecanduan
- Having trouble- Mengalami kesulitan
- Leak/Leaking- Bocor
- Get along- He does not get along with his boss. They fight all the time.
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