Meaning
Used to invite someone to take something freely.
Cultural Background
Very common in casual settings. It is seen as friendly and welcoming. Used similarly, but often with more 'please' and 'thank you' markers. Often shortened to 'Help yourself' in very relaxed BBQ settings. Used frequently in both English and French (as 'servez-vous').
Add 'Please'
Adding 'Please' at the beginning makes it sound much more polite.
Read the room
If the host is serving everyone, don't just help yourself. Wait for the invitation.
Meaning
Used to invite someone to take something freely.
Add 'Please'
Adding 'Please' at the beginning makes it sound much more polite.
Read the room
If the host is serving everyone, don't just help yourself. Wait for the invitation.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence.
There is plenty of food, please ______ yourself.
The phrase is 'help yourself'.
Which is the correct way to invite a guest to eat?
Choose the best option.
This is the correct idiomatic expression.
Complete the dialogue.
Guest: 'Can I have some water?' Host: 'Sure, ______.'
This is the standard polite response.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesThere is plenty of food, please ______ yourself.
The phrase is 'help yourself'.
Choose the best option.
This is the correct idiomatic expression.
Guest: 'Can I have some water?' Host: 'Sure, ______.'
This is the standard polite response.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsYes! You can use it for office supplies, books, or any shared resource.
No, it is very polite when used as an invitation.
Related Phrases
Make yourself at home
similarBe comfortable.
Dig in
synonymStart eating.
Be my guest
similarGo ahead.
Help yourself to
specialized formTake from a specific source.
