English grammar
Isn't working / is broken / there's a problem with
Complain about problems in your room.
From the scene The air conditioning isn't working
In short
For a machine that has stopped, say it isn't working. For something damaged, say it's broken.
Your turn
Which one goes with damaged?
Options: there's a problem with... · is broken · isn't working
Show answer
damaged → is broken
How it works
For a machine that has stopped working right now, say isn't working: the air conditioning isn't working.
Your turn
Pick the word that fits the line.
And we need a new (blank).
Options: towels · problem · towel
Show answer
And we need a new towel.
Y necesitamos una toalla nueva.
Good to know
Don't drop isn't, and don't say "doesn't function". For something damaged, say is broken: the shower is broken.
Good to know
There's a problem with... introduces a general problem.
not working (now) isn't working
Elena
The air conditioning isn't working, dear.
El aire no funciona, cariño.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
The air conditioning (blank), dear.
Options: there's a problem with · isn't working · is broken
Show answer
Elena
The air conditioning isn't working, dear.
El aire no funciona, cariño.
damaged is broken
Elena
And the shower... is broken too.
Y la ducha... también está rota.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
And the shower... (blank) too.
Options: isn't working · there's a problem with · is broken
Show answer
Elena
And the shower... is broken too.
Y la ducha... también está rota.
general problem there's a problem with...
Javi
Broken? There's a problem with almost everything.
¿Rota? Hay un problema con casi todo.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
Broken? (blank) almost everything.
Options: There's a problem with · Isn't working · Is broken
Show answer
Javi
Broken? There's a problem with almost everything.
¿Rota? Hay un problema con casi todo.
question What's the problem?
Javi
Hi! What's the problem?
¡Hola! ¿Qué problema tienen?
Your turn
What fills the gap?
Hi! (blank)?
Options: What's the problem · Isn't working · Is broken
Show answer
Javi
Hi! What's the problem?
¡Hola! ¿Qué problema tienen?
Common mistake
Not doesn't or not here. A problem right now; working is already there.
The air conditioning isn't working, dear.
El aire no funciona, cariño.
Practise it in the story
Meet this rule inside a short animated scene. Answer as it plays, then say the lines yourself.
Practise free in the appSee all forms
| not working (now) | isn't working |
|---|---|
| damaged | is broken |
| general problem | there's a problem with... |
| question | What's the problem? |
More lines from the story
- NuriaAnd we need a new towel.Y necesitamos una toalla nueva.
- NuriaThe air conditioning isn't working. It's horribly hot.El aire no funciona. Hace un calor horrible.