⚙️ Explaining Problems at Work

In this lesson, you’ll learn how to describe problems, explain causes, and communicate solutions using clear, professional English for real workplace situations.

🎯 Level: Advanced ⏱ Time: 5 minutes

📘 Categories: Advanced, Business English, Vocabulary

🎯 The Rule (Professional Standard)

Don’t say: “It’s broken”
Say exactly what the problem is
Explain the cause
Explain the result
Give the solution

Structure: Problem → Cause → Effect → Solution

🧠 Say the Problem Clearly

lagging → slow system
flickering → screen turning on/off
jammed → blocked movement
overheating → too hot
unresponsive → no reaction

⚠️ Add the Cause

due to high traffic
because of a short-circuit
due to poor ventilation
caused by debris

Example: The system is lagging due to high traffic.

⚖️ Full Professional Answer

Model:

The system broke down due to a short-circuit, which caused it to become unresponsive. This resulted in a delay, and the issue was resolved by repairing the wiring.

🔍 Failure vs Inoperable

Failure = event (something stopped working)
Inoperable = state (it cannot be used now)

Examples:
The system failed due to overheating.
The system is inoperable due to overheating.

❌ Common Errors (Spanish)

❌ It has a failure → ✔️ The system failed
❌ The machine got damage → ✔️ The machine is damaged
❌ It is decomposed → ✔️ It’s broken / not working

🗣️ Practice

Complete the sentences:

The system is lagging due to ______.
The machine broke down due to ______.
The device became unresponsive because of ______.

🔑 Takeaway

Professional English = precise vocabulary + clear structure + logical explanation.

🔍 Still have questions? Go deep!

Want more than the basics? Still have questions? Need real practice?

Go deeper with the 5-Minute English Deep Dive.
This full lesson breaks down Explaining Problems, Failures, and Technical Issues step by step, fixes common mistakes, and gives you targeted practice so you actually use it correctly in real situations. Complete the Deep Dive and score 70% or higher to receive your FREE Certificate of Achievement.

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Explaining Problems, Failures & More

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Horario de atención: Lunes a viernes, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.