Follow-up for Unresolved Issue
After a previous repair attempt, the tenant finds the problem (e.g., persistent electrical issue) is not fully resolved and calls back to follow up, requesting further action or a different technician.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
supposedly
This adverb means 'according to what has been said or expected, but possibly not true.' It's useful when expressing doubt about something that was promised. For example, in the dialogue, Emily uses it to question if the repair really happened.
flickering
This is a present participle describing lights that flash on and off quickly and repeatedly. It's practical for describing electrical problems in everyday complaints.
outlets
These are electrical sockets on the wall where you plug in devices. In apartment contexts, it's key vocabulary for reporting home maintenance issues.
resolved
This verb means 'solved or fixed completely.' It's commonly used in service situations to confirm if a problem has been handled.
frustrating
An adjective meaning 'causing annoyance or upset.' It's useful for expressing emotions politely when something isn't working out, like ongoing repair issues.
root of the problem
This phrase means the main cause or fundamental issue. It's practical for explaining why a previous fix didn't work and requesting a better solution.
sorted out
This phrasal verb means 'fixed or resolved successfully.' It's informal and common in British and American English for assuring someone a problem will be handled.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Hi, this is Emily Carter from apartment 3B. I'm calling about the electrical issue that was supposedly fixed last week.
This is a polite introduction for follow-up calls. It uses 'this is [name] from [place]' to identify yourself and 'supposedly' to express doubt. Useful for starting service complaints; the past perfect 'was fixed' shows it refers to a previous action.
What seems to be the problem now?
This is a common question in customer service to ask for details. 'Seems to be' softens the inquiry, making it polite. Intermediate learners can use it when helping others describe issues.
It wasn't resolved at all.
This expresses strong dissatisfaction with a past repair. The negative past passive 'wasn't resolved' highlights failure. It's useful for politely but firmly stating a problem persists.
I apologize for that.
A standard apology in professional settings. 'For that' refers to the specific issue. It's essential for service roles; teaches using apologies to build rapport even if not at fault.
Can you describe in more detail what you're observing now?
This requests more information politely. 'In more detail' specifies the need, and 'observing' is formal for 'seeing.' Great for interviews or troubleshooting; uses present continuous for current actions.
Would you be available for another technician to come by, perhaps tomorrow afternoon?
This suggests a solution with a question for availability. 'Would you be available' is conditional and polite; 'perhaps' adds flexibility. Useful for scheduling appointments in service dialogues.
I'll make a note to send someone different and ensure they are aware of the previous attempt.
This shows action taken. 'Make a note' means recording info; 'ensure' means make sure. It's practical for confirming steps in follow-ups, using future simple for promises.
You're welcome. We'll get this sorted out for you.
A polite closing response. 'You're welcome' answers thanks; 'get this sorted out' is a phrasal verb promising resolution. Common in customer service to end positively and reassure.