EverydayAdvanced
Borrowing and returning books in English (advanced)
Advanced English for borrowing and returning books. Key line: “Hi, could I return this one and check out this other book?”
Full script
Lin
Hi, could I return this one and check out this other book?
Them
Sure—looks like this one's a bit wavy. Did it, uh, survive a rainstorm?
Lin
Yeah, my tote leaked on the bus, but I dried it for days.
Them
I've seen worse, honestly. The due date is tomorrow, so you're safe.
Lin
Perfect. And could you renew my card too, or am I pushing my luck?
Them
Not at all—your account's clear. No fines, which already puts you above average.
Lin
I'll take that compliment. So this novel is due back in three weeks?
Them
Yep—and if it goes swimming too, at least bring it back with a bookmark.
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
Borrow
✓ check out this other bookBorrow another book
Common in libraries
Due
✓ The due date is tomorrow.Return it tomorrow.
due date = return date
Renew
✓ Could you renew my card too?Could you renew my card too?
renew = extend it
Pushing it
✓ Am I pushing my luck?Am I asking too much?
Playful extra request
Quick answers
Borrow: what to say in English
Say “check out this other book” — borrow another book. Common in libraries.
Due: what to say in English
Say “The due date is tomorrow.” — return it tomorrow. due date = return date.
Renew: what to say in English
Say “Could you renew my card too?” — could you renew my card too. renew = extend it.
Pushing it: what to say in English
Say “Am I pushing my luck?” — am I asking too much. Playful extra request.