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Technology

The everyday English you actually use around technology — getting set up online, sorting out a device that's playing up, and chatting about new tech — grouped by the moment you need it.

15 situations45 phrases
Getting set up onlineB1

Creating an account and logging in to a new app or site.

create an accountgain accessuser name
Fixing a deviceB1–B2

When your phone or laptop stops behaving and you need to sort it out.

mobile phoneback upbreak down
Talking about new techB1

Chatting about the latest gadgets and how everyone's using them.

bring outsocial medialook up
Getting the gadget workingB1–B2

That fiddly moment when you're plugging in a new device and praying it finds a signal.

set uppick up
When the home wifi plays upB1–B2

Sorting out a dodgy internet connection at home — the everyday moans and quick fixes when the wifi won't behave.

play uprestart itdrop out
My phone's about to dieB1

The race against a dying battery — asking for a charger, finding a socket, and topping up before you head out.

dieplug incharge up
The app keeps crashingB1

When an app won't behave — it freezes, it crashes, and someone tells you to just update the thing.

crashupdatefreeze
Running out of phone storageB1

No space left for photos — the daily struggle of a full phone and what to delete to free some up.

run out of spaceswipe through
Bad connection on a video callB1–B2

Talking through a glitchy video call — when the sound cuts out, the picture freezes and you keep asking people to repeat themselves.

cut outcut offbreak down
Pinging someone to sort a planB1–B2

Quick messages to firm up a plan — pinging someone the details and saying you'll message when you're close.

give someone a pinglog in
I've forgotten my passwordB1

Locked out of an account — resetting a forgotten password and getting back in without giving away your details.

reset your passwordpersonal informationset up an account
Is this message a scam?B1

A dodgy text or email lands — working out whether it's real and how someone might try to get into your account.

technical problem
Sorting out movie nightB1–B2

You're trying to get a film going for the evening, but the stream keeps stopping to load.

streamlog outbuffer
Topping up your phoneB1

Your pay-as-you-go credit is nearly gone and you need to add more before your data runs out.

top uppop up
Joining a video callB1–B2

You're hopping on a call for work or with family and need to sort your mic and show people your screen.

mute yourselfshare your screensync

Browse all 45 technology phrases by level →

Multiple-meaning phrases in technology

Same phrase, different jobs — compare the meanings before you use them.

Try it in Daily Speak →