Avoiding Common Mistakes: 'Let Me a Minute' vs. 'Give Me a Minute'
Various ways to correctly and politely ask someone to wait for you
Do you ever catch yourself saying, “Let me a minute”? It might feel logical if you’re translating directly from your native language, but in English, it’s not correct. Don’t worry—let’s fix it together!
The proper phrase is “Give me a minute.” Mastering small adjustments like this will make your English sound more natural and confident. Let’s explore some variations of asking someone to wait for you.
Polite and Formal Alternatives
While "Give me a minute" is grammatically correct, it can sound a bit too direct depending on the situation. To soften the request and make it more polite, you can say:
"Give me a minute, please."
"Could you give me a minute, please?"
Adding "please" or using "could you" makes the tone more polite and appropriate, especially in formal situations.
Informal Variations (For Friends and Family)
To advance your English skills, it’s valuable to add variety to your speech. There are many ways that you can ask someone to wait for you or give your more time. First, let’s look at some casual ways we can request this from friends or family.
"Hold on a sec."
"Hang on a minute." or “Hang on”
"Just a moment."
These phrases are laid-back and commonly used in everyday conversation.
Formal and Professional Options
In formal settings, such as at work or with elders, it’s better to use polite and professional language. Here are some examples:
"May I have a moment, please?"
"Could you kindly give me a minute?"
"Would you mind waiting for a minute?"
These expressions are respectful and show consideration for the other person’s time.
Can You Spare Just One More Minute?
Remember, small adjustments to your language can make a big difference in how you’re perceived by others. By learning these variations, you’ll communicate more effectively and confidently in professional and casual settings.
If you’d like to continue growing your English-speaking confidence, I’m here to support you! Sign up for a FREE class today, and let's take your English to the next level!
