Q7: 'do me a favor/favour' (What does it actually mean, please)

Question

....Hello,What does 'do me a favor/favour' actually mean, please? Does it mean the person saying this asking somebody for some sort of help or does it mean something else?Thank you.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

The phrase "do me a favor" is typically used to express extreme displeasure, as in:  "Do me a favor and shut up."

GPY · Answer

Yes, it is used to ask someone for help. For example, "Do me a favour and pass me the dictionary, would you please?"

It can also be used ironically or impolitely: "Do me a favour and get lost".

By itself, it can be an expression of irritation or exasperation.

Laborious · Answer

Thanks to both of you, for your replies. ... :-P

OK. So, when used in qestions or in combination with words that express 'politeness', it could be used for asking somebody (politely) for some help, like in 'Could you do me a fovour? Please, get me a glass of water'. Right, teacher?

Can we also use the verb 'ask'? For example, Is it possible to say "I asked her for a fovour and she refused" or "Can I ask you for a favour? Actually, I need your help with my homework, today"?

In my sentence "I asked her for a fovour and she refused", would it be better If I said "I asked her to do me a fovour and she refused"?

Thank you.

GPY · Answer

LaboriousOK. So, when used in qestions or in combination with words that express 'politeness', it could be used for asking somebody (politely) for some help, like in 'Could you do me a fovour? Please, get me a glass of water'. Right, teacher?

Spelling: favour.

In itself, it is not super-polite. For example, "Do me a favour and get me a glass of water" is something you might say to someone you knew well, to whom you did not have to use polite language. To a stranger, this would sound abrupt. However, you can wrap it up with other words and patterns to make it softer and more polite. In certain circumstances you may need to be a bit careful that the sarcastic or impolite meaning is not understood. This is also indicated by tone of voice.

LaboriousCan we also use the verb 'ask'? For example, Is it possible to say "I asked her for a fovour and she refused" or "Can I ask you for a favour? Actually, I need your help with my homework, today"?

Yes, that usage is fine.

LaboriousIn my sentence "I asked her for a fovour and she refused", would it be better If I said "I asked her to do me a fovour and she refused"?

The former seems more usual.

AlpheccaStars · Answer

Favor.

Mom is sick in bed. She asks her son, "Do me a favor and get me a glass of water."

LaboriousFor example, Is it possible to say "I asked her for a fovour and she refused" or "Can I ask you for a favour? Actually, I need your help with my homework, today"?

Yes.

LaboriousIn my sentence "I asked her for a fovour and she refused", would it be better If I said "I asked her to do me a fovour and she refused"?

They are the same - two different ways to say the same thing.

Q7: 'do me a favor/favour' (What does it actually mean, please)

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