How to talk about tech problems and solutions - ABC Education (2024)

Think of technology you have used recently. What problems did you have with it? What solutions did you come up with to solve the problem?

First, let’s look at language related to problems. If you are experiencing an issue with a laptop or video conferencing technology for example, you can say:

• It’s broken down.
• It needs fixing./It needs to be fixed.
• It’s out of order.
• It’s not working.
• It’s frozen.
• It has crashed.
• It doesn’t work.
• It keeps making this strange noise.
• We have to sort it out.
• I can't unmute.
• I can't hear you./You're on mute.
• It's not opening.
• You dropped out there for a second.

When talking about problems related to mobile phones, you could use the following:

• There is no reception.
• You're breaking up.
• I can't hear you./You're inaudible.

Next, let’s look at language related to solutions. Here is what you can say:

• Have you tried switching/turning it on and off?
• Have you tried restarting your device?
• It's sorted.
• It’s fixed!
• It’s working now.
• It’s all done.
• I can see you clearly now.

If you have tried your best to solve the problem and none of the solutions you had in mind worked, it's alright to say:

• I'm sorry I don't know what the issue is. Maybe it's best I send you an email.
• I'm sorry I can't help here. Shall we reschedule to another time?

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