Dealing with a problem

In this video, Vanya goes to Yuna with a problem. Listen to the language they use for dealing with a problem and practise saying the useful phrases.

Do the preparation exercise first. Then watch the video and do the exercises to check your understanding and practise the language.

Transcript

Ana: Hi! I'm Ana. Welcome to What to Say

Do you know what to say when you need to deal with a problem? Listen out for useful language for dealing with a problem. Then, we'll practise saying the new phrases – after this.

 

Vanya: Yuna!

Yuna: Oh, morning!

Vanya: I've got a bit of a problem. 

Yuna: What's wrong?

Vanya: Can we talk in private?

Yuna: Of course.

Yuna: Right, so, what's the matter? 

Vanya: Well, I've made a mistake. A big mistake.

Yuna: OK. I'm sure we can work it out.

Vanya: It was such a silly thing to do! 

Yuna: I'm getting worried now. What's going on here? 

Vanya: OK. It was late last night and I was tired. I wasn't concentrating and I accidentally used my company credit card instead of my own to buy something! 

Yuna: Don't worry, these things happen. There's a procedure to deal with this. How much did you spend? 

Vanya: It was quite expensive.

Yuna: How expensive?

Vanya: It was very expensive.

Yuna: Vanya, how expensive?

Vanya: £3,782 … and 56 pence.

Yuna: What? You spent £3,782?! 

Vanya: … and 56 pence. 

Yuna: What was it? Vanya?

Vanya: Just a weekend break! I just like a really nice hotel!

Yuna: OK, I see. Thanks for letting me know.

Vanya: Ah! I feel so much better now I've told you. Please don't tell Noelia.

Yuna: Oh, I'm definitely going to tell her!

Noelia: Hi!

Vanya: Hi!

 

Ana: Hello again! Wow, that's a lot of money for a weekend break. So, did you notice the useful phrases used for dealing with a problem? Listen to me and then repeat. 

 

What's wrong?

I've got a bit of a problem.

Could we talk in private?

What's the matter?

I've made a mistake.

I'm sure we can work it out.

Don't worry, these things happen.

Thanks for letting me know.

I feel so much better now I've told you.


Ana: Try and use some of these phrases the next time you need to deal with a problem in English. Bye for now!

Discussion

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Worksheet103.03 KB

Language level

Average: 4.3 (62 votes)

Submitted by RitaFerreira on Thu, 30/10/2025 - 23:40

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Today, a colleague asked me for help with a course we’re planning on psychological first aid.
I have some experience in this area.
We recently received feedback asking for more practical activities and fewer theoretical parts.
Today, I was teaching part of the course.

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Submitted by melissa97_ on Thu, 23/10/2025 - 02:17

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It was two weeks ago with my cousin. She is in college and her teacher sent her a group project related with law matters, normative, articles, even a study case she has to defend as if she was a lawyer herself along with her teammates. Since I graduated from college three years ago as a lawyer, I knew what it has to be done in these things, so I gave her all the information I know from law school and tips so she can do her best defending her project.

Submitted by mohamedyassergareep on Sun, 05/10/2025 - 13:15

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i've helped many homeless people with money but nowdays i'm living with my grandparents. helping them after my work and i also helped my freind to apply for an internship in a multinational campany

Submitted by Happiness on Fri, 26/09/2025 - 15:35

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When was the last time you helped someone with a problem at work?

When i was working as math teacher i was helping my colleagues. Actually i was a junior teacher so sometimes  i replaced teachers who they asked me. It was such a joyful assistance.  BY the way i make an effort to learn English language and increase my all skills . Now i don`t work but i am searching work. All you pray for me please.

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Submitted by Mary2lumpy5 on Thu, 18/09/2025 - 01:55

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When was the last time you helped someone with a problem at work?

I helped my colleagues at work. We are teachers and one of our most demanded duties is to print and design values diplomas and other values for our students, sometimes they don't have time due they are moms and have families, so I'm always trying to help them with those little responsibilities. So I can say that I'm always helping my teamwork and dealing with other things too. 

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Submitted by Rami zeghoud on Thu, 14/08/2025 - 15:35

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i m working as a delievery man. everytime there's is someone of ur colleagues needs help . so last time was yesterday

Submitted by Gemina on Wed, 16/07/2025 - 11:04

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During the high season, I had a coworker who was overwhelmed with a heavy workload while also planning his wedding. I noticed he was under a lot of pressure, so I offered to take some tasks off his shoulders to support him

Submitted by AybukeGedik on Fri, 11/07/2025 - 14:23

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I helped my teammate who recently started working. She was responsible for updating and tracking the digital marketing budgets. One day, she allocated the monthly budget on a daily basis and informed me. I told her not to worry, and that we could figure it out. I explained everything to the client and suggested creating a new plan for the budget.

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Submitted by pop.kaloudi- on Sun, 18/05/2025 - 20:18

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It was 2 years ago when a colleague of mine came in with a very difficult situation - an unexpected divorce - on days when she had a project that had to be delivered on a certain day at our work and the boss would not accept any excuses.
So, I tried to help her get it done and deliver it on time.
We need to support each other in these moments.

Submitted by Ruba Altajoury on Sun, 11/05/2025 - 01:40

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How can i download these vids ?

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