How to say it · Out and about

Saying something isn't working

Your boiler, laptop or wifi has a problem and you need someone to fix it. Saying how bad it is helps them understand fast, without you sounding dramatic.

6 ways to say it

In a cold kitchen, Mia wrapped in a blanket is on the phone, pointing at the boiler beside a cog with a broken tooth.

How badlySlightlyCompletely

It's not working properlybest default It's stopped workingit was fine before It keeps cutting outon and off It's playing upcasual British Something's not quite right with itcan't say what yet It's completely deadnothing at all

Way 1 · best default

It's not working properly

It still works a bit, but not the way it should. Safe for a landlord, a shop or IT.

How badlyMiddle

ToneNeutral

Use itAnywhere

Examples

Since the update, my laptop's not working properly.

The shower's not working properly. The water never gets hot.

In a conversation

A: IT helpdesk, how can I help?
B: Hi, my laptop's not working properly since this morning's update.

Common mistake

Not: My ~~phone is error.~~

Say: My phone's not working properly.

"Error" is a noun, not a description. Say it isn't working, or "It's showing an error" if there's a message on the screen.

Practice saying this

Next: It's stopped working

Way 2 · it was fine before

It's stopped working

It used to work and now it doesn't. Add when it happened, so they know how long you've waited.

How badlyCompletely

ToneNeutral

Use itAnywhere

Examples

The boiler stopped working on Saturday, and we've had no hot water since.

My work email's stopped working. Nothing's come in since lunch.

In a conversation

A: Good morning, lettings.
B: Hi, I'm calling because the boiler's stopped working, and there's no heating.

Common mistake

Not: My ~~account is disabled. Please solve this problem urgently.~~

Say: My laptop's stopped working, and I've got a presentation at eleven. Could you help?

"Solve this urgently" sounds like an order. Say what's wrong and why the time matters, then ask.

Practice saying this

Next: It keeps cutting out

Way 3 · on and off

It keeps cutting out

It works, then stops, then works again. Good for wifi, phone calls, heating or a car engine.

How badlyMiddle

ToneNeutral

Use itAnywhere

Examples

Sorry, the wifi keeps cutting out, so I might lose you.

The heating keeps cutting out in the middle of the night.

In a conversation

A: Sorry, you froze for a second there.
B: Yeah, my connection keeps cutting out. Can you hear me now?

Practice saying this

Next: It's playing up

Way 4 · casual British

It's playing up

It's acting strangely now and then. Annoying, but you can still use it.

How badlySlightly

ToneCasual

Use itWith friends

Examples

My phone's been playing up all week. It just turns itself off.

The printer's playing up again, so I'll print it at home.

Practice saying this

Next: Something's not quite right with it

Way 5 · can't say what yet

Something's not quite right with it

You notice a small problem but can't name it. It invites them to take a look.

How badlyVery slightly

ToneNeutral

Use itAnywhere

Examples

Something's not quite right with the car. It's making a funny noise.

Can you look at the fridge? Something's not quite right with it.

Practice saying this

Next: It's completely dead

Way 6 · nothing at all

It's completely dead

No lights, no sound, nothing. It won't even turn on.

How badlyVery completely

ToneCasual

Use itAnywhere

Examples

I charged it all night, but my phone's completely dead.

Don't bother with the old TV upstairs. It's completely dead.

In a conversation

A: Have you tried turning it off and on again?
B: I can't. It's completely dead. Not even a light.

Practice saying this

Test yourself: which would you say?

Pick the right one

Which would you say?

Read the moment, then choose the way that fits it best.

Now say it out loud

Pick one and practise it in a real conversation. Save the ones you want to remember.

It's not working properly It's stopped working It keeps cutting out It's playing up

Which would you say?

Now say it out loud

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