I'm late.
State a simple problem with timing.
I’m late for work.
I have a timing problem for work.
Oh no, I’m late for the bus.
I am not on time for the bus.
English - Simple Problems
Lesson 24 of 139
Goal: Say what’s wrong in a clear, calm way.
Free English lessons with audio, guided practice, and speaking support.
Uh-oh moments happen: late bus, card problem, hot room. Today you’ll learn three short English phrases that help you explain a problem fast.
Level A1: In this lesson, you’ll practice saying “I’m late,” “I can’t pay,” and “It’s too ___.” These phrases are small but mighty—use them when something is not going well and you need simple help. Yak Yacker says: problems sound smaller when your English is ready.
After this lesson you'll be able to:
- Say a simple timing problem: “I’m late.”
- Explain a payment problem: “I can’t pay.”
- Use “It’s too ___” with easy words like hot, cold, expensive, or far.
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 can't pay.
State a basic problem with paying.
Sorry, I can’t pay by card.
My card payment is not possible.
I can’t pay now. My wallet is at home.
Payment is not possible now.
It's too ___.
State that a condition is a problem or difficulty.
It’s too cold in here.
The place is very cold, and it is a problem.
It’s too expensive for me.
The price is very high, and it is a problem.
2. Conversational Listening Practice
Hear phrases in a real mini-conversation.
Anna and David are at a train station ticket machine.
What kind of problems do Anna and David have?
Anna
Oh no, I’m late.
Anna has a timing problem.
David
The train leaves soon. Can you buy the ticket?
David asks about buying a ticket.
Anna
I can’t pay. My card isn’t working.
Anna has a payment problem.
David
Let’s try this machine.
David suggests another machine.
Anna
It’s too slow.
The machine is very slow, and it is a problem.
David
Okay, let’s ask for help.
David suggests asking someone.
3. Guided Practice
Quizzes and matching to lock in meaning.
You are not on time for class. What do you say?
Your card does not work in a shop. What do you say?
The room is very cold, and it is a problem. What do you say?
Which phrase uses the frame “It’s too ___” correctly?
Anna looks at the clock and says, “Oh no, I’m late. The meeting starts now.”
Anna looks at the clock and says, “Oh no, ___. The meeting starts now.”
At the café, David’s card does not work. He says, “Sorry, I can’t pay. Do you take cash?”
At the café, David’s card does not work. He says, “Sorry, ___. Do you take cash?”
Anna tries to carry the bag, but it is very heavy. She says, “It’s too heavy. Can you help me?”
Anna tries to carry the bag, but it is very heavy. She says, “___. Can you help me?”
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 late.
State a simple problem with timing.
Say this phrase out loud:
I can't pay.
State a basic problem with paying.
Say this phrase out loud:
It's too ___.
State that a condition is a problem or difficulty.