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Reporting a lost passport in English (advanced)

Advanced English for reporting a lost passport. Key line: “Hi, I need to report a lost passport, and I'm not sure where to start.”

Full script

LinHi, I need to report a lost passport, and I'm not sure where to start.
ThemOf course. When did you last have it, and where were you headed?
LinI had it this morning; then my backpack turned into a black hole.
ThemThat happens to the best of us. Have you checked every pocket and pouch?
LinTwice. I even found gum from last winter, but no passport.
ThemAll right, I'll note it down and help you file a loss report.
LinThanks. Do I need a police report too, or just the form?
ThemStart with this form; if your backpack coughs it up, buy it a medal.

Key phrases

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

report it lost

✓ report a lost passport

Use for a lost passport

Say this when an ID is lost

unsure

✓ not sure where to start

Polite: you need help to start

Polite way to sound a little stressed

write it down

✓ note it down

record the details

Don't miss 'down' — very common

show up

✓ cough it up

appear unexpectedly

Casual: something appears unexpectedly

Quick answers

report it lost: what to say in English

Say “report a lost passport” — use for a lost passport. Say this when an ID is lost.

unsure: what to say in English

Say “not sure where to start” — polite: you need help to start. Polite way to sound a little stressed.

write it down: what to say in English

Say “note it down” — record the details. Don't miss 'down' — very common.

show up: what to say in English

Say “cough it up” — appear unexpectedly. Casual: something appears unexpectedly.

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