Recalling Where it Was Lost
The staff member asks where the learner thinks they might have lost the item. The learner recounts their movements and the last place they remember having it.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
lost
Past tense of 'lose', meaning you cannot find something you owned. Use it when reporting missing items, like 'I lost my keys.'
wallet
A small case for holding money, cards, and ID. Common in lost item reports; say 'I lost my wallet' to describe what was misplaced.
turned it in
Means handing over a found item to the right place, like lost and found. Useful when asking if someone returned your lost thing.
roughly
Means approximately or about, not exactly. Use it for estimates, like 'roughly 10 AM' when recalling time or place.
counter
A long table where you order or pay in places like cafes. Say 'at the counter' to describe where you did something.
restroom
A polite word for bathroom or toilet. Use it in formal situations, like 'I went to the restroom' when explaining movements.
realized
Past tense of 'realize', meaning to become aware of something. Common for sudden discoveries, like 'I realized it was gone.'
thoroughly
Means completely or carefully. Use it to ask for a detailed search, like 'check thoroughly' in lost item scenarios.
contact details
Information like phone number or email for reaching you. Essential when reporting lost items so staff can call you.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Excuse me, I think I've lost my wallet somewhere here.
This polite opening starts a report of a lost item. 'Excuse me' gets attention, 'I think I've lost' uses present perfect for recent events. Useful for beginning conversations at service places.
I was wondering if anyone might have turned it in?
A soft way to ask about a found item. 'I was wondering' is polite for questions; 'might have' shows possibility. Use this to inquire without being direct.
Can you tell me where you think you might have lost it?
Asks for details on location. 'Where you think you might have lost' uses 'might have' for uncertainty in past actions. Helpful for staff gathering info in lost reports.
I arrived around 10 AM. I had it when I first came in and ordered coffee at the counter.
Recounts timeline and actions. 'Around' means approximately; 'I had it' means possessed it. Use simple past to describe sequence of events when explaining where you lost something.
I went to the restroom about 15 minutes later, and I think I took it with me then.
Describes movement and memory. 'About 15 minutes later' shows time sequence; 'I think' expresses uncertainty. Practical for narrating steps in a story of loss.
I must have left it either at the table or in the restroom.
'Must have' expresses strong probability about the past. 'Either...or' lists options. Use this to guess possible locations when you can't remember exactly.
We'll check both areas thoroughly for you.
Promises action. 'We'll check' is future simple for plans; 'thoroughly' means carefully. Reassuring response from staff; learners can use similar to offer help.
Can you describe the wallet and leave your contact details?
Requests more info. 'Describe' means give details; imperative form after 'can you' is polite. Essential for ending lost item reports to aid recovery.