Welcome! In this short lesson you'll learn friendly, clear ways to explain a problem and ask for help. Practice listening, then repeat the phrases aloud to build confidence.
Level B1: This lesson focuses on practical phrases for explaining a problem—reporting an error, describing when it happens, offering a possible cause, and asking for a fix. You'll hear the phrases in a short dialogue, try quick quizzes, and speak each phrase out loud. (CEFR-aligned.)
After this lesson you'll be able to:
Use key B1 phrases to explain a technical or service problem clearly.
Practice saying and sequencing trouble descriptions (e.g., 'First I ___, and then ___').
Ask for help and explain urgency using 'I need this fixed by ___.'
Ready? Let's go!
When you tap play on phrases, we track your progress through this lesson.
1. Reading + Listening Practice
Hear core phrases, repeat aloud.
I'm getting an error when I ___.
Report an error connected to an action
Meaning: Report an error connected to an action.
When to use: Common spoken troubleshooting frame for digital and service problems.
I'm getting an error when I try to save the file.
I'm getting an error when I try to save the file.
I'm getting an error when I log in to the app.
I'm getting an error when I log in to the app.
The problem only happens when ___.
Describe the condition that triggers a problem
Meaning: Describe the condition that triggers a problem.
When to use: Useful for narrowing down a problem and helping another person diagnose it.
The problem only happens when I use the Chrome browser.
The problem only happens when I use the Chrome browser.
The problem only happens when my phone is connected to Wi‑Fi.
The problem only happens when my phone is connected to Wi‑Fi.
I think it might be because ___.
Give a possible reason for a problem
Meaning: Give a possible reason for a problem.
When to use: B1 frame for offering a tentative cause without sounding too certain.
Tip: Beginners sometimes say the cause too strongly (e.g., 'It is because...') instead of a softer phrase like this one.
I think it might be because the server is down.
I think it might be because the server is down.
I think it might be because I updated the app yesterday.
I think it might be because I updated the app yesterday.
I may have entered ___ incorrectly.
Admit a possible user mistake
Meaning: Admit a possible user mistake.
When to use: Polite and practical frame for explaining a possible input mistake.
I may have entered the password incorrectly.
I may have entered the password incorrectly.
I may have entered the account number incorrectly.
I may have entered the account number incorrectly.
Is there a way to fix this?
Ask if repair or correction is possible
Meaning: Ask if repair or correction is possible.
When to use: General help-seeking question after explaining a problem.
Is there a way to fix this?
Is there a way to fix this?
Is there a way to fix this before the meeting?
Is there a way to fix this before the meeting?
I need this fixed by ___.
Explain urgency for resolving a problem
Meaning: Explain urgency for resolving a problem.
When to use: Practical B1 frame for explaining a deadline or urgency when asking for help.
I need this fixed by Friday.
I need this fixed by Friday.
I need this fixed by 3 pm tomorrow.
I need this fixed by 3 pm tomorrow.
First I ___, and then ___.
Explain the sequence of actions before a problem occurred.
Meaning: Explain the sequence of actions before a problem occurred.
When to use: Useful B1 frame for giving a simple timeline when asking for help with a problem.
First I opened the file, and then I clicked Export.
First I opened the file, and then I clicked Export.
First I updated the settings, and then the app crashed.
First I updated the settings, and then the app crashed.
I can show you what happens.
Offer to demonstrate the problem so another person can understand it.
Meaning: Offer to demonstrate the problem so another person can understand it.
When to use: Practical spoken move for getting help by demonstrating an issue rather than explaining every detail.
I can show you what happens if you like.
I can show you what happens if you like.
I can show you what happens on my screen.
I can show you what happens on my screen.
2. Conversational Listening Practice
Hear phrases in a real mini-conversation.
Anna needs tech support from David and explains the error and timing.
Who offers to show the problem?
Anna
I'm getting an error when I try to upload the report.
Anna reports an error during upload.
David
Does it happen every time?
David asks whether the error is repeatable.
Anna
The problem only happens when I use the file from the shared drive.
Anna describes the condition that triggers the problem.
David
I think it might be because the file is locked by another user.
David suggests a possible cause.
Anna
I may have entered the wrong file name too. I can show you what happens.
Anna admits a possible mistake and offers a demonstration.
David
Is there a way to fix this? I need this fixed by tomorrow.
David asks if it can be fixed and notes urgency.
3. Guided Practice
Quizzes and matching to lock in meaning.
Which sentence best reports where the error happens?
Which sentence narrows down when the issue happens?
Which phrase politely offers a possible reason?
Which is a helpful offer when someone cannot reproduce your issue?
First I opened the report, and then I clicked Upload.
____ I opened the report, and then I clicked Upload.
The problem only happens when I connect the printer.
____ the problem only happens when I connect the printer.
I think it might be because the server timed out.
I can't send the invoice—____ the server timed out.
Match the core phrases
Match the extra phrases
4. Speaking Practice
Say phrases yourself (mic/recording).
Recording stays on your device only. Check speech uses your browser's speech tools when available.
Say this phrase out loud:
I'm getting an error when I ___.
Report an error connected to an action
Say this phrase out loud:
The problem only happens when ___.
Describe the condition that triggers a problem
Say this phrase out loud:
I think it might be because ___.
Give a possible reason for a problem
Say this phrase out loud:
I may have entered ___ incorrectly.
Admit a possible user mistake
Say this phrase out loud:
Is there a way to fix this?
Ask if repair or correction is possible
Say this phrase out loud:
I need this fixed by ___.
Explain urgency for resolving a problem
Say this phrase out loud:
First I ___, and then ___.
Explain the sequence of actions before a problem occurred.
Say this phrase out loud:
I can show you what happens.
Offer to demonstrate the problem so another person can understand it.
