THE BIG IDEA: WHAT → WHERE → WHEN → DESCRIPTION → NEXT STEP
1. “My ___ is missing.”
Name the missing item: “My bag is missing.”
2. “I think I lost it.”
Use this when you believe you misplaced the item.
3. “I think it was stolen.”
Use this when you suspect theft. Explain the reason for your belief without presenting a guess as a fact.
4. “I last had it at…”
Say where you last remember having it.
5. “I noticed it was missing…”
Give the time you realized it was gone.
6. “It looks like…”
Describe the colour, size, brand, or another distinguishing feature.
7. “It has my ___ inside.”
Explain relevant contents: “It has my notebook inside.”
8. “Has anyone turned it in?”
Ask whether someone has handed the item to staff or lost property.
9. “Can I make a report?”
Ask whether you can make a formal report.
10. “What should I do next?”
Ask what action or information is needed next.
Put it together
“My bag is missing. I last had it in the café at about two. It’s a small blue bag. Has anyone turned it in?”
Use the Four Finger Rule
WANT TO: What do you want to accomplish?
HAVE TO: What facts do you have to explain?
NEED TO: What question do you need answered?
MIGHT: What might you need to repeat or clarify?
Prepare your first sentence and one backup question. If you do not understand, try: “Could you say that again, please?”
Stop memorizing English. Start using it.
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Related lesson: English for a lost passport.
