encounter problem
Face difficulty
Literalmente: to meet a difficulty
Use this phrase to professionally describe an unexpected obstacle without sounding like you are complaining.
Em 15 segundos
- Use it when you hit an unexpected obstacle during a task.
- Perfect for professional emails and reporting technical issues.
- Focuses on the situation rather than blaming a specific person.
Significado
This phrase means you unexpectedly run into a challenge or a hurdle while doing something. It is like walking down a path and suddenly finding a big rock in your way.
Exemplos-chave
3 de 6Reporting a tech issue
I encountered a problem while trying to log into the portal.
I faced a difficulty logging in.
Traveling abroad
We encountered a problem at the border with our visas.
We had a difficulty with our visas.
Texting a friend about being late
Sorry, I encountered a problem with my car battery.
My car had a problem.
Contexto cultural
The phrase reflects a Western 'can-do' attitude where obstacles are external entities to be managed. It became a staple of technical and customer service language in the late 20th century to sound objective. In the US and UK, using this phrase helps maintain a professional distance from a mistake.
The 'Passive' Trick
If you want to sound even more professional, use 'A problem was encountered.' It removes 'I' entirely, making it sound like the problem just happened on its own!
Don't 'Meet' Problems
In some languages, you 'meet' a problem. In English, we 'encounter' or 'run into' them. 'Meet' sounds like you are going on a date with the problem!
Em 15 segundos
- Use it when you hit an unexpected obstacle during a task.
- Perfect for professional emails and reporting technical issues.
- Focuses on the situation rather than blaming a specific person.
What It Means
Encounter a problem is a smooth way to say you hit a snag. It implies the problem was waiting for you. You didn't look for it. It just appeared while you were working or traveling. It feels more professional than saying 'I messed up.' It puts the focus on the situation, not your skills.
How To Use It
Use it when you need to report a delay. It works perfectly with the past tense encountered. You can also use it in the present continuous encountering. Always follow it with a specific detail. For example, We encountered a problem with the server. It sounds polished and calm. It makes you look like a problem-solver, not a complainer.
When To Use It
This is your go-to phrase for work emails. Use it when a project slows down. Use it when traveling and your flight is delayed. It is great for tech support calls. If your code doesn't run, you encountered a problem. It keeps the conversation objective and clear.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this for tiny, personal mistakes. If you drop your ice cream, don't say you encountered a problem. That sounds way too dramatic! Also, avoid it in very deep emotional talks. If you are fighting with a partner, saying you encountered a problem sounds like you are reading a corporate manual. Keep it for tasks and logistics.
Cultural Background
In English-speaking business culture, we love 'soft' language. We prefer saying we encountered a problem instead of saying 'everything is broken.' It sounds less scary to a boss. It suggests the problem is just a temporary obstacle. It reflects a culture that values staying cool under pressure.
Common Variations
Run into a problem(more casual)Hit a snag(idiomatic/informal)Face an issue(very common in offices)Come across a difficulty(slightly more formal)Experience a glitch(specific to technology)
Notas de uso
This phrase is safe for 90% of situations. It is the 'goldilocks' of English collocations—not too slangy, not too robotic. Just remember to use it for external obstacles rather than personal mistakes.
The 'Passive' Trick
If you want to sound even more professional, use 'A problem was encountered.' It removes 'I' entirely, making it sound like the problem just happened on its own!
Don't 'Meet' Problems
In some languages, you 'meet' a problem. In English, we 'encounter' or 'run into' them. 'Meet' sounds like you are going on a date with the problem!
The British Understatement
In the UK, if someone says they 'encountered a slight problem,' it might actually mean the whole building is on fire. They love to downplay issues.
Exemplos
6I encountered a problem while trying to log into the portal.
I faced a difficulty logging in.
Very common for IT support tickets.
We encountered a problem at the border with our visas.
We had a difficulty with our visas.
Describes a formal hurdle during travel.
Sorry, I encountered a problem with my car battery.
My car had a problem.
A bit formal for a text, but sounds polite.
I tried to build the shelf, but I encountered a problem: I have no idea what a 'hex key' is.
I had a funny struggle with the tools.
Using formal language for a silly mistake creates humor.
The team encountered a problem with the budget allocation.
The team had a budget issue.
Keeps the focus on the team/project, not individuals.
I'm so stressed; I've encountered one problem after another today.
I've had many difficulties today.
Shows frustration through the repetition of the phrase.
Teste-se
Choose the best word to complete the professional report.
During the software update, we ___ a problem with the database.
While 'met' is the literal meaning, 'encountered' is the standard professional collocation for problems.
Which phrase is most natural for a workplace email?
I am writing to let you know that we have ___ a problem.
'Encountered' is the most neutral and professional choice here.
🎉 Pontuação: /2
Recursos visuais
Ways to say you have a problem
Used with friends
I hit a snag.
Standard daily use
I ran into a problem.
Work and reports
I encountered a problem.
Legal or official
A complication has arisen.
When to say 'Encounter a Problem'
IT Support
The app crashed.
Travel
Lost passport.
Business
Budget cuts.
Construction
Bad weather.
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasIt is neutral to formal. It is perfect for the office but might sound a bit stiff if you are talking to your best friend about a video game.
Yes, but it sounds very accidental. If you encountered a stranger, it means you didn't expect to see them.
Run into is more casual and common in spoken English. Encounter is better for writing and reports.
No, we don't usually say that. We find or reach a solution. Encountering is almost always for obstacles.
It is always encounter a problem. You don't need the word 'with' unless you are using 'encounter' as a noun.
Yes, doctors often say a patient encountered complications during a procedure. It sounds very clinical.
You can use issue, difficulty, obstacle, or setback. Encountered an issue is very common in modern offices.
You can say, 'We might encounter some problems with the new schedule.' It helps warn people about risks.
Yes, if you want to sound serious or polite. 'Hey, I encountered a problem at work, so I'll be late' sounds very responsible.
No, it only describes the moment you found the problem. You still need to say how you fixed it!
Frases relacionadas
Run into a wall
To reach a point where you cannot make any more progress.
Hit a snag
To encounter a small, unexpected difficulty.
Face an uphill battle
To deal with a very difficult and tiring problem.
Deal with a setback
To handle a problem that stops or reverses your progress.
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