EverydayIntermediate

Getting a watch repaired in English

Everyday English for getting a watch repaired. Key line: “Could you *take* a *look* at my *watch*? It *stopped*.”

Full script

LinCould you take a look at my watch? It stopped.
ThemSure, when did it stop, and was it running slow?
LinYesterday afternoon. I thought I was early, but my watch lied.
ThemThat happens. Has it been dropped or gotten wet lately?
LinNo, but it makes a tiny click, like it's thinking hard.
ThemI can open it up and check the battery first.
LinGreat. If you save it, I'll stop asking strangers the time.
ThemDeal. Let's rescue your watch and those poor strangers today.

Key phrases

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

check

✓ Could you take a look at my watch?

Polite: ask someone to check it

Ask them to check first; softer than 'repair'

running slow

✓ Was it running slow?

Ask if it was losing time before

For watches and clocks, this is common

dropped/wet

✓ Has it been dropped or gotten wet?

Ask about drops or water

Common repair check question

check battery

✓ I can open it up and check the battery first.

Says the first step is checking the battery

"open it up" is conversational

Quick answers

check: what to say in English

Say “Could you take a look at my watch?” — polite: ask someone to check it. Ask them to check first; softer than 'repair'.

running slow: what to say in English

Say “Was it running slow?” — ask if it was losing time before. For watches and clocks, this is common.

dropped/wet: what to say in English

Say “Has it been dropped or gotten wet?” — ask about drops or water. Common repair check question.

check battery: what to say in English

Say “I can open it up and check the battery first.” — says the first step is checking the battery. "open it up" is conversational.

Next: Getting a watch repaired All scenes