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Session 70

Tom explains how to complain politely in this English In A Minute.

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    Activity 1
  1. Activity 1

Activity 1

How to complain (politely)

You want to complain about something, but in a polite way. Learn how to do it with Tom in this English In A Minute.

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Tom

Sometimes we need to complain.

But how can we do this politely and in a British way?

First, we can begin would like to to say what we want.

Hi i would like to speak to the manager. Yes, I'd like to complain.

We can say I am unhappy about plus a noun phrase.

Yes, I am unhappy about my late delivery.

We can also add very or really to make this stronger.

Yeah, I'm really unhappy about this.

We can also say it's unacceptable that plus a clause.

Yeah, it's unacceptable that my delivery is late.

Remember, don't lose your temper.

This means don't become too angry - it's rude to lose your temper.

This is good advice - we can say this to people who are angry with us:

Alright! Don't lose your temper.

How to complain (politely)

1) Start your complaints with would like to to say what you want.

  • I would like to speak to the manager.
  • I would like to complain!

2) We can say I am unhappy about plus a noun phrase. We can add very or really to make this stronger.

  • I'm unhappy about the food.
  • I'm really unhappy about the food.

3) We can say it's unacceptable that plus a clause.

  • It's unacceptable that you forgot my order.
  • It's unnacceptable that you expect me to pay.

4) Remember, don't lose your temper. This means don't become too angry. We can say this to people who are angry with us.

  • Stop shouting - don't lose your temper.
  • Please don't lose your temper with me.

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