Upper intermediate · b2
Life admin
Report problems and get things fixed
1When something breaksReport a fault clearly: what broke, whether it is dead or just misbehaving, when it started, and what you suspect is wrong.
2Asking nicely, then firmlyEscalate a request in stages: soften it with a counterfactual, set a deadline with an obligation, apologise for chasing, and close with a conditional ask.
3Chasing a deadlineAsk for a realistic date, state that nothing has happened, point at the broken agreement, and demand a number.
Make plans, promises, and handle changes
4Fixing a planPropose a time, confirm it, promise to check before you travel, and hand the choice of slot to the other person.
5Giving your wordReassure someone properly: promise with kotha deowa, tell them not to worry, offer to take the whole thing on, and vouch for yourself.
6Changing your mind politelyBack out without burning goodwill: name a vague complication, ask whether a shift would inconvenience anyone, request a change impersonally, and shelve it warmly.