What happens in the video
Theo and Nadia are building a shelf together, and Theo starts by asking the wood for its address. Nadia asks if he really just asked the shelf for its address, and Theo says it won't tell him. Later he asks, "Where does this go?" Nadia shows him, then finds one extra screw, and Theo says every shelf comes with a bonus screw.
1 Where does this go?
Tone Casual question
Use it when you're holding a part and don't know where it belongs. It works for furniture, boxes, dishes, or anything you put away. It's informal, so in a formal setting you might say "Could you tell me where this goes?"
Where does this go?
For example:
A: Where does this go?
B: On the left side, next to the door.
A: Got it. Thanks.
2 Hold this for me.
Tone Friendly request
Use it when your hands are full and you need someone to hold something for a moment. Without "can you" or "please," it can sound like an order, so use the short form only with people you know well.
Hold this for me.
For example:
A: Hold this for me. I need to find the screwdriver.
B: Sure. Is it heavy?
A: Not really. Just keep it straight.
3 Always read the instructions.
Tone Direct, a bit bossy
Use it to give advice, often after something went wrong. Say it with a smile or a soft voice. If you say it sharply, the other person may hear criticism instead of advice.
Always read the instructions.
For example:
A: Why is this door upside down?
B: Always read the instructions. Step four shows it.
A: Fine, you were right.
4 Can you pass me the screwdriver?
Tone Polite, everyday request
Use it to ask someone to hand you a tool or object. Change the noun as needed: the hammer, the screws, the manual. It's fine with friends, family, and coworkers.
For example:
A: Can you pass me the screwdriver?
B: The small one or the big one?
A: The small one, please.
5 I think this piece is upside down.
Tone Gentle, careful
Use it when you notice a mistake. "I think" makes it softer, so it doesn't sound like you are blaming the other person. Don't use it if you're completely sure and need to stop someone right away.
For example:
A: I think this piece is upside down.
B: Oh no. The holes are on the wrong side.
A: It's okay. We can turn it around.
6 We're missing a screw.
Tone Neutral, informative
Use it when a part you need isn't in the box or on the floor. Saying "we" keeps it a shared problem. If you have one too many, say "We have an extra screw" instead.
For example:
A: We're missing a screw.
B: Did you check under the box?
A: Found it. Never mind.
7 Let's check the instructions again.
Tone Calm, cooperative
Use it when you're both confused and want to stop guessing. It's a kinder way to suggest the instructions than telling someone to read them.
For example:
A: This part doesn't fit anywhere.
B: Let's check the instructions again.
A: Good idea. Which page are we on?
8 Which side faces out?
Tone Practical question
Use it when a part could go two ways, like a shelf or a drawer front. It's more specific than "Where does this go?" because you already know the place but not the direction.
For example:
A: Which side faces out?
B: The smooth side. The rough side goes inside.
9 Hold on, this doesn't fit.
Tone Casual, slightly worried
Use it to stop the work for a moment because something is wrong. "Hold on" means "wait." It's informal, so it suits friends and family more than a meeting.
For example:
A: Hold on, this doesn't fit.
B: Maybe it's the wrong screw.
A: You're right. This one is longer.
Common mistakes
-
Not quite
Where this goes?Better Where does this go?
In this question, use "does" before "this" and the base form "go" after it. "Where this goes" is the word order inside a longer sentence, as in "I don't know where this goes."
-
Not quite
Read always the instructions.Better Always read the instructions.
In this instruction, put "always" before "read." It tells the listener to read the instructions every time.
-
Not quite
Hold this. (said sharply to someone you don't know)Better Can you hold this for me, please?
The short form sounds like an order. With strangers or coworkers, add "can you" and "please" so it sounds like a request.
Quick quiz
Choose your answer for each question, then open the answer to check it.
-
You are holding a wooden panel and have no idea where it belongs. What do you say?
- Where does this go?
- Hold this for me.
- Always read the instructions.
Show the answer (Question 1)
Answer: Where does this go? This question asks where a part belongs when you feel lost.
-
Which version of the request sounds softest?
- Hold this.
- Hold this for me.
- Can you hold this for me?
Show the answer (Question 2)
Answer: Can you hold this for me? Adding "can you" turns the order into a polite question.
-
Your friend says "Always read the instructions" in a sharp voice. How might it sound?
- Kind and helpful
- A bit bossy
- Confused
Show the answer (Question 3)
Answer: A bit bossy The line is direct, so a sharp tone makes it sound like criticism.
-
You know a shelf goes on the bottom, but not which side is the front. What is the best question?
- Where does this go?
- Which side faces out?
- We're missing a screw.
Show the answer (Question 4)
Answer: Which side faces out? You already know the place, so you only need to ask about direction.
-
What does "Hold on" mean in "Hold on, this doesn't fit"?
- Hold the piece tightly
- Wait a moment
- Keep going
Show the answer (Question 5)
Answer: Wait a moment "Hold on" is an informal way to tell someone to wait.
Questions learners ask
Is "Hold this for me" rude?
Not with friends or family, especially when your hands are full. With people you don't know well, it can sound like an order. Add "can you" or "please" to make it softer.
What is the difference between "Where does this go?" and "Where is this?"
"Where does this go?" asks where something belongs, for example a part of a shelf or a cup in the kitchen. "Where is this?" asks where something is right now, often a place. When you are putting things together or away, use "Where does this go?"
How can I tell someone to read the instructions without sounding bossy?
Use "let's" to make it shared: "Let's check the instructions again." You can also say it in a soft voice or with a smile. "Always read the instructions" works best as friendly advice or a joke after a mistake.
How do I say there are too many or too few parts?
For too few, say "We're missing a screw" or "A piece is missing." For too many, say "We have an extra screw" or "Why do I have one extra screw?"
Film lines are short quotes used for language teaching. The dialogue belongs to its rightsholders. Theo and Nadia are animated characters made with Google Flow.
