WorkBeginner
Asking IT for help in English (beginner)
Beginner English for asking IT for help. Key line: “My computer won't start.”
Full script
Lin
Hi, can you help? My computer won't start.
Them
Sure. What does the screen show?
Lin
It's black, and it stays black.
Them
Okay. Is the monitor on?
Lin
Uh... I think so. Wait, maybe not.
Them
Try that button. The little power one.
Lin
Oh! It works. It just likes sleeping.
Them
Yep. Even computers need a nap sometimes.
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
Get help
✓ Can you help?ask someone for help
Most common way to ask
Won't start
✓ My computer won't start.say your computer won't turn on
won't = it just doesn't work
Ask details
✓ What does the screen show?ask about the screen
First, describe the problem
Try it
✓ Try that button.tell someone to press that button
try + noun
Quick answers
Get help: what to say in English
Say “Can you help?” — ask someone for help. Most common way to ask.
Won't start: what to say in English
Say “My computer won't start.” — say your computer won't turn on. won't = it just doesn't work.
Ask details: what to say in English
Say “What does the screen show?” — ask about the screen. First, describe the problem.
Try it: what to say in English
Say “Try that button.” — tell someone to press that button. try + noun.