Reporting a Lost Item
A person needs to report a lost personal item (e.g., wallet, phone, keys) to a security guard or information desk.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
lost
Past participle of 'lose', meaning something is missing or cannot be found. Use it like 'I lost my keys' to report missing items in emergencies.
wallet
A small case for carrying money, cards, and ID. Common in daily life; say 'I lost my wallet' when reporting to security.
lost and found
A place or office where lost items are kept until claimed. Useful phrase for asking about missing things in public places like malls or offices.
café
A small restaurant serving coffee and light meals. Pronounced 'caf-ay'; mention it when describing where you lost something.
leather
Material made from animal skin, often used for bags or wallets. Describe items like 'black leather wallet' to help identify them.
ID card
Short for identification card, like a driver's license or student ID. Important for proving ownership in lost item reports.
credit cards
Plastic cards for paying without cash. List them when describing contents of a lost wallet to aid recovery.
charm
A small decorative object, like a pendant. Use it to describe unique features, e.g., 'a golden charm on the zipper'.
turned in
Phrasal verb meaning handed over to authorities, like lost items given to lost and found. Common in security contexts.
thank goodness
An expression of relief when something good happens, like finding a lost item. Use it to show gratitude in positive outcomes.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Excuse me, I think I've lost my wallet. Is there a lost and found here?
This polite way to start reporting a loss uses 'Excuse me' for attention, 'I think I've lost' for uncertainty, and a question about facilities. Useful for initiating help in public places; practice the question form for seeking information.
Yes, you've come to the right place. I manage the lost and found.
Reassuring response with 'come to the right place' idiom for correct location, and 'manage' meaning to be in charge. Good for customer service; shows possession with 'the lost and found'.
Can you tell me when and where you think you lost it?
Polite request using 'Can you tell me' for information, with 'when and where' questions. 'You think' adds speculation. Essential for gathering details in reports; note the wh-questions structure.
I was at the café on the second floor about an hour ago, and I think that's where I might have left it.
Describes location and time with past continuous 'I was at', approximate time 'about an hour ago', and speculation 'I think...might have left'. Useful for explaining incidents; includes conjunction 'and' for adding details.
Did it have any specific identifying features, like a logo or anything inside?
Yes/no question with 'Did it have' for past possession, 'specific identifying features' for unique details, and examples 'like a logo'. Helpful for describing items; uses 'or anything' for openness.
Ah, yes! We did have one turned in from the café that matches your description.
Exclamation 'Ah, yes!' for realization, emphasis 'did have' in affirmative, and 'matches your description' for agreement. Practical for confirming found items; past perfect 'turned in' implies completion.
Oh, thank goodness! That's it! Thank you so much!
Expressions of relief with 'Oh, thank goodness' and confirmation 'That's it!', plus gratitude 'Thank you so much!'. Use in happy resolutions; note exclamations for emotion and intensifier 'so much'.
You're very welcome. Please make sure everything is in order before you leave.
Standard reply 'You're very welcome' to thanks, polite request 'Please make sure' with 'in order' meaning correct/complete. Useful for service endings; imperative form for advice.