A. Things that go wrong in houses and flats

• This pipe’s leaking.
• He kicked the football too hard and it smashed a window.
• This pot is cracked.
• The batteries in this torch have run out / are dead. I’ll have to get some more.
• I’m sorry, your cup’s chipped. Let me get you another one.
• The lights aren’t working – there’s been a power cut.
• The door handle’s come off / fallen off.
• The washing machine broke down the other day.
• I’m sorry, the biscuits were at the bottom of my bag and they got crushed by the potatoes!
• My computer keeps crashing today!

B. Everyday minor injuries

• She twisted her ankle coming down the stairs. I bumped/banged my head against the cupboard door and got a bruise. [/bruːz/ dark area on your skin where you have hurt yourself]
• Kelly tripped and fell down and grazed her knee this morning. [if you trip you almost fall down because you hit your foot against something; if you graze something, it becomes red with broken skin, but no blood]

C. Other everyday minor problems

• I’ve mislaid my memory stick. Have you seen it anywhere? [put it somewhere and can’t find it]
• She spilt some coffee on the carpet. I hope it doesn’t leave a stain. [permanent mark]
• The sink is blocked. [the water will not run away]
• I’m afraid I’ve dented your car. I’m really sorry. I’ll pay for the repairs. [bent the metal a little bit by hitting something]
• My mouse has stopped working; it could be a software problem.
• I’ve locked myself out. Can I use your phone to ring my wife?
• The car won’t start. I hope it’s nothing serious. Perhaps the battery’s flat.
• The kitchen clock’s slow/fast/stopped. What time d’you make it?