EverydayIntermediate

Getting a bike fixed in English

Everyday English for getting a bike fixed. Key line: “Could you take a quick look at my bike?”

Full script

LinCould you take a quick look at my bike?
ThemSure—what's going on with it?
LinThe chain keeps slipping, and the brakes squeak like ducks.
ThemOkay, that's annoying. Did you ride it here?
LinYeah, and I think the ducks followed me over.
ThemLet me check the brakes and tighten the chain first.
LinThanks. If it stops quacking, I'll call that a win.
ThemDeal—if it still quacks, we'll charge the ducks rent.

Key phrases

The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.

check

✓ Could you take a quick look at my bike?

Polite: ask for a quick check

Natural way to ask for help

what's wrong?

✓ What's going on with it?

Ask what the problem is

Ask what is wrong with something

slipping

✓ The chain keeps slipping.

Say the chain slips again and again

keeps doing = happens again and again

a win

✓ I'll call that a win.

Say that is good enough

Relaxed way to say "that'll do"

Quick answers

check: what to say in English

Say “Could you take a quick look at my bike?” — polite: ask for a quick check. Natural way to ask for help.

what's wrong: what to say in English

Say “What's going on with it?” — ask what the problem is. Ask what is wrong with something.

slipping: what to say in English

Say “The chain keeps slipping.” — say the chain slips again and again. keeps doing = happens again and again.

a win: what to say in English

Say “I'll call that a win.” — say that is good enough. Relaxed way to say "that'll do".

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