Could you help me?
A2
Everyday Phrase
Neutral
Very Common
Meaning
A polite question asking someone for help.
When to use it
People say “could you help me” to friends, family, colleagues or strangers when they need help. It is neutral and common in shops, at work and at home. In an emergency, a direct call like “Help!” may be more suitable.
Example Sentence
Could you help me with this bag?
Grammar & structure
Could you help me? / Could you help me + with + noun? / Could you help me + verb?
✓ Correct
Could you help me with this suitcase?
Could you help me find the rice?
Could you help me open this file?
✗ Incorrect
Could you help me with carry this bag?
Could you help me finding my keys?
Use “with” before a noun, or use a verb like “find” directly after “me”. “Could” makes the request polite.
How to reply
Similar expressions
Can you help me?
Also common and neutral, but a little more direct.
Could you give me a hand?
A friendly request for help, often with a practical task.
Don't confuse it with
Can I help you?
— An offer to help another person.
A shop assistant offers help by saying “Can I help you?”, while a customer asks for help by saying “Could you help me?”
Common mistakes
✗ Could you help me to carries these boxes?
✓ Could you help me carry these boxes?
Use “carry”, not “carries”, after “help me”. You can also say “to carry”.
✗ Could you help me with fix my bike?
✓ Could you help me fix my bike?
Do not put “with” before the verb “fix”.
Dialogue
Two neighbours talk outside their building while one is carrying shopping bags.
Anna
Hi, Sam. Could you help me with these bags?
Sam
Sure. I'll take the heavy one.
Anna
Thanks. It's full of potatoes.
Sam
Let's put it by your door.
Anna
That's great. Thanks so much.
Sam
No problem.
Complete the conversation
1. A: Could you help me open this jar?
B: ___
2. A: I work here. Let me know if you need anything.
B: ___
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