describe situation
Explain circumstances
Use this phrase to give someone the full picture of a problem or event clearly.
Em 15 segundos
- Explain the facts of what is happening right now.
- Use it to give context before asking for help.
- Perfect for both professional meetings and personal explanations.
Significado
To tell someone the story or details of what is happening right now. It is like painting a picture with words so the other person understands your current trouble or success.
Exemplos-chave
3 de 6Calling a car mechanic
I need to describe the situation with my engine making a loud clicking noise.
I need to explain what is happening with my engine making a loud noise.
Talking to a teacher about a late assignment
Can I describe the situation that caused me to miss the deadline?
Can I explain the reasons why I missed the deadline?
Texting a friend about a bad date
Wait until I describe the situation at the restaurant tonight!
Wait until I tell you what happened at the restaurant!
Contexto cultural
This phrase reflects the Western cultural value of 'low-context' communication. This means speakers are expected to be explicit and detailed rather than assuming the listener already knows what is happening. It became a staple of professional English during the rise of corporate culture in the mid-20th century.
The 'What' and 'Why'
When you describe a situation, try to follow the '5 Ws': Who, What, Where, When, and Why. It makes you sound very organized!
Don't Over-Describe
In English, people like to get to the point. If you spend 10 minutes describing a 2-minute event, they might lose interest.
Em 15 segundos
- Explain the facts of what is happening right now.
- Use it to give context before asking for help.
- Perfect for both professional meetings and personal explanations.
What It Means
To describe situation is to give the facts about a specific moment. You are telling someone the 'who, what, where, and why.' It is not just about saying 'I am sad.' It is about explaining that your car broke down in the rain. You are helping someone else see what you see. It is the bridge between your experience and their understanding.
How To Use It
You usually use this phrase when you need help or advice. You can say, 'Let me describe the situation to you.' You can also use it when someone asks for an update. It works well with verbs like can, could, and please. For example, 'Can you describe the situation at the office?' It is a very flexible tool for your English toolkit.
When To Use It
Use it when things are a bit complicated. If you are at a doctor's office, you describe the situation with your health. If you are calling a plumber, you describe the situation with your leaky sink. It is perfect for meetings where you need to explain a project. It is also great when calling a friend to explain why you are running late. Basically, use it whenever a one-word answer is not enough.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for very simple things. If you are just hungry, do not say 'I will describe the situation of my stomach.' That sounds like a robot! Also, avoid it in very high-stress emergencies. If there is a fire, do not say 'Let me describe the situation.' Just yell 'Fire!' Use it for discussions, not for split-second actions. Keep it for when you have a minute to actually talk.
Cultural Background
In English-speaking cultures, being clear is considered very polite. People value their time. When you describe the situation accurately, you show respect for the other person's time. In the US and UK, people often start with the most important fact first. Then they give the smaller details. It is a way of being 'straightforward.' It helps avoid confusion and gets problems solved faster.
Common Variations
You might hear people say describe the scene or explain the circumstances. Some people say give me the lowdown in very casual settings. In an office, a boss might ask for a status report. However, describe the situation is the most reliable and safe version. It works everywhere from a fancy gala to a backyard BBQ. It is the 'little black dress' of English phrases.
Notas de uso
This is a 'safe' phrase that works in 99% of English environments. Always remember to include the word 'the' (describe THE situation) for natural flow.
The 'What' and 'Why'
When you describe a situation, try to follow the '5 Ws': Who, What, Where, When, and Why. It makes you sound very organized!
Don't Over-Describe
In English, people like to get to the point. If you spend 10 minutes describing a 2-minute event, they might lose interest.
The 'Understatement'
Sometimes British people will 'describe the situation' as 'a bit of a muddle' even if it is a total disaster. It's their way of staying calm!
Exemplos
6I need to describe the situation with my engine making a loud clicking noise.
I need to explain what is happening with my engine making a loud noise.
Used to provide specific details for a repair.
Can I describe the situation that caused me to miss the deadline?
Can I explain the reasons why I missed the deadline?
A polite way to ask for an opportunity to explain.
Wait until I describe the situation at the restaurant tonight!
Wait until I tell you what happened at the restaurant!
Creates excitement or suspense for a story.
It's hard to describe the situation without laughing, but I'm stuck in the bathroom.
It is difficult to explain what happened without laughing.
Adds a lighthearted tone to an awkward moment.
It helps when I describe the situation exactly as I felt it.
It helps when I explain what happened and how I felt.
Focuses on emotional honesty and detail.
Please describe the situation where you last saw your wallet.
Please explain the circumstances of when you last saw your wallet.
Used by an official to gather information.
Teste-se
Choose the best word to complete the professional request.
Could you please ___ the situation so I can help you better?
We use 'describe' with 'the situation' as a standard collocation to mean 'explain the details'.
Complete the sentence for a casual story.
I'm going to ___ the situation to you, but you have to promise not to laugh!
In this context, 'describe' means the speaker is about to tell a story.
🎉 Pontuação: /2
Recursos visuais
Formality Scale of 'Describe the Situation'
Telling a friend about a weird day.
Let me describe the situation...
Explaining a problem to a customer service agent.
I'd like to describe the situation with my order.
Giving a report to a manager or director.
Allow me to describe the situation regarding the budget.
When to Describe the Situation
At the Doctor
Explaining symptoms.
Customer Support
Reporting a broken product.
With Friends
Sharing juicy gossip.
At Work
Updating a project status.
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasUsually, you need an article like 'the' or 'a'. For example, describe the situation or describe a situation.
Yes, explain the situation is almost the same. Describe focuses more on the details, while explain focuses on the reasons.
Not at all! It's neutral. You can use it with your best friend or your boss without sounding strange.
In a real emergency, skip this phrase. Just say what is wrong, like I need an ambulance.
No, you can describe the situation of a wonderful surprise party or a great new job opportunity.
Yes, it is very common in emails. For example: I am writing to describe the situation with my account.
In casual talk, you can just say Here is what happened or So, basically....
A scene is more visual, like a movie. A situation includes feelings, rules, and background facts.
Yes! Adding my makes it more personal. Let me describe my situation is very common.
It depends. Use present tense for something happening now, and past tense to describe the situation that already finished.
Frases relacionadas
Give an account of
To provide a detailed narrative of an event.
Paint a picture
To describe something so vividly that someone can imagine it.
Break it down
To explain something complex in simple parts.
Set the scene
To provide background information before telling a story.
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