OPERATOR: 911. What’s the exact location of your emergency?
CALLER: Hi, um, well my address is 2495 Cary Street. But it’s across the street. I don’t know the address.
OPERATOR: Okay, ma’am. I didn’t get that. Are you on a cell phone? Tell me that address again.
CALLER: Yeah, um, it’s . . . I don’t know, it’s 2495 Cary, but it’s across the street.
OPERATOR: Okay, that’s fine. Is that where you’re calling me from, ma’am?
CALLER: I’m calling you from my cell phone. I think I need the police.
OPERATOR: Okay, ma’am. What’s the nature of the emergency?
CALLER: Well, I’m across the street. I’m not sure . . . My neighbor’s away, and, um, um, there are two guys. I think they’re breaking into the house. Um, it looks like there are two guys. HEY! THEY JUST BROKE A WINDOW! One guy just ripped through the screen door! They’re looking around to see if anyone saw them! Can you get the police here? Hurry!
OPERATOR: Okay, ma’am, we’ll have someone there right away. Do you recognize the people at all?
CALLER: No, not at all. It’s not my neighbor; they’re away. I have no idea who these guys are, but they just broke the window and kicked in the door! I think you need to get the police here fast.
OPERATOR: Can you describe the men, ma’am?
CALLER: They’re inside now. I don’t know. I don’t know. To be honest with you, I didn’t really notice what they were wearing or anything. Um, I think one guy was pretty tall. He was wearing some kind of baseball cap, I think. And, uh, the other guy entered through the window before I got a good look at him. All I know is these guys broke into the house! Can you get the police here?!
OPERATOR: Ma’am, they’re on their way. Do you know if the guys have a weapon?
CALLER: I don’t know; I couldn’t see from my angle. They had a hard time trying to kick in the door. Um, but, um, they smashed the window with a bat, I think. A baseball bat.
OPERATOR: Okay, ma’am, they’re on their way. Don’t hang up until they get there.
CALLER: Okay. Thank you. Wait, okay, here they are! Thank you!
| Tip 4 |
If you want to speak with a police officer, but it is not an emergency, you should not call 911. You can find the phone number of the local precinct in your phone book. |
Did you spot it?
Remember: could is also used for ability in the past.
In this example, couldn’t means was not able to see.
Example: I couldn’t see from my angle.
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all I know is: a strong way to say this is the important fact
breaking in: forcing one’s way in
entered: went in
had a hard time: had difficulty with something
I have no idea: a stronger way to say I don’t know
kick in: hit with one’s foot and smash open
precinct: local police station
screen door: an outer door that allows air into the room, but not the bugs!
smashed: broke suddenly and noisily
to be honest with you: a way of saying really
weapon: something that is used to hurt someone
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