EverydayBeginner
Borrowing and returning books in English (beginner)
Beginner English for borrowing and returning books. Key line: “Hi, I'd like to borrow this book, please.”
Full script
Lin
Hi, I'd like to borrow this book, please.
Them
Sure. Do you have a library card?
Lin
Yes, and I bring books back fast.
Them
Great. This one is due back Friday.
Lin
Can I return it here on Friday?
Them
Yes, right here. The box is hungry.
Lin
Good. I like a happy box.
Them
Then bring it Friday. Keep the box happy.
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
to borrow
✓ I'd like to borrow this book, please.Polite way to ask for this book
Use this for a specific item
got a card
✓ Do you have a library card?Ask if someone has one
Don't miss "a" before card
return place
✓ Can I return it here?Ask where to return it
Use them for more than one
by Friday
✓ This one is due back Friday.It must be returned by Friday
You can add by before Friday
Quick answers
to borrow: what to say in English
Say “I'd like to borrow this book, please.” — polite way to ask for this book. Use this for a specific item.
got a card: what to say in English
Say “Do you have a library card?” — ask if someone has one. Don't miss "a" before card.
return place: what to say in English
Say “Can I return it here?” — ask where to return it. Use them for more than one.
by Friday: what to say in English
Say “This one is due back Friday.” — it must be returned by Friday. You can add by before Friday.