Follow-up Call/Clarification
The landlord might call back or reply to get more details about the problem, or to confirm a good time for a repair person to visit.
Dialogue11
Hi Michael, this is Sarah from apartment 3B. You called me back regarding the leaking faucet?
Hi Sarah, yes, that's right. Just wanted to get a bit more detail on the issue. You mentioned it's a slow drip?
Yes, exactly. It's not a major leak, but it's consistent. It's coming from the hot water tap in the kitchen sink.
Okay, the kitchen sink's hot water tap, got it. And is it only when you turn the tap on, or is it constant?
It's constant, even when the tap is fully shut off. It's just a steady drip.
Understood. Thanks for clarifying. We can send someone over to take a look. What's a good day and time for someone to come by this week?
Hmm, I work from home most days, so pretty much any weekday afternoon would work for me. Would Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon be possible?
Let me check... Yes, we can pencil you in for Wednesday afternoon, say between 1 PM and 3 PM? Does that work?
Perfect, that works great. Thank you so much, Michael!
No problem, Sarah. We'll get that taken care of for you. You'll get a confirmation text shortly. Have a good one!
You too, bye!
Vocabulary8
- leaking
When water or liquid comes out slowly from a pipe or faucet without being turned on, like a small escape of water.
- faucet
A device in the sink that you turn to control the flow of water; in British English, it's called a tap.
- drip
A small drop of liquid falling slowly and regularly, often used to describe a minor water problem.
- consistent
Something that happens regularly or without changing, like a drip that keeps going all the time.
- tap
Another word for faucet, especially in British English; it controls water in a sink or basin.
- constant
Happening all the time without stopping, like a leak that continues even when closed.
- clarify
To make something clearer by adding more details or explanation, useful in conversations to avoid confusion.
- pencil in
To make a temporary schedule or appointment that can be changed later, like booking a time provisionally.
Key Sentences8
- 1
You called me back regarding the leaking faucet?
This is a polite question to confirm the reason for the call; use it to start a follow-up conversation. It uses 'regarding' to mean 'about', and the question form shows rising intonation for yes/no questions.
- 2
Just wanted to get a bit more detail on the issue.
A polite way to ask for more information; 'just wanted to' softens the request, making it less direct. Useful when clarifying problems without sounding demanding. 'A bit more' means a small amount extra.
- 3
It's not a major leak, but it's consistent.
Describes a problem as not serious but ongoing; 'not... but' contrasts ideas. This sentence helps explain minor issues calmly. 'Consistent' means it happens regularly, good for everyday descriptions.
- 4
It's constant, even when the tap is fully shut off.
Provides specific details about the problem; 'even when' shows contrast. Use this to explain how something works or doesn't stop. 'Fully shut off' means completely closed, emphasizing the issue.
- 5
What's a good day and time for someone to come by this week?
Asks for availability politely; 'come by' means visit briefly. This is useful for scheduling repairs. The question uses 'what's' for informal inquiries about preferences.
- 6
Would Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon be possible?
Suggests options for scheduling; 'would... be possible?' is a polite way to ask if something can happen. Great for offering choices in appointments. It uses conditional 'would' for courtesy.
- 7
We can pencil you in for Wednesday afternoon.
Means to schedule tentatively; 'pencil in' implies it's not final. Useful in service situations like repairs. 'For' specifies the time, and it's a common idiomatic expression.
- 8
We'll get that taken care of for you.
Promises to fix the problem; 'get... taken care of' is a passive idiom meaning 'handle it properly'. Use this to reassure someone. 'For you' adds politeness, showing it's done on their behalf.