How to Make a Complaint - Guide for ESL Students

Knowing how to make a complaint in English is important in many situations. What if your food is very cold at a restaurant? How do you tell the waiter that you want him or her to fix the problem? If there is a problem with your bank account, how do you address the issue? How do you get help with a problem with a co-worker at your job?

Here are some ideas to help you discuss and solve your problem with the appropriate person that can help you.

First, who do you talk to to get help? The first person to talk to is the customer service representative. This person could be the receptionist at the hotel, the person who answers the phone when you call to get your computer fixed, a waiter, a store clerk, or any other person who you see or hear from first when you call or go into a place of business. If you are unable to get your problem solved by working with the customer service representative, you can ask to speak with a manager. This person may have the authority to help you more than a customer service representative.

When you make a complaint, be sure that you tell the customer service representative all of the information about your problem so that he or she can help you to the best of his/her ability. Also, be calm and polite during the time that you are speaking with the person trying to help you. If you are very upset, this will likely make the representative not want to help you that much. Be firm, but be nice.

Here are some phrases that can help you make a complaint and get your problem resolved:

Excuse me. Can you please help me? I have a problem.

Will you please replace this? It's broken.

I have my receipt.

What else do you need to know about my problem?

My problem is that. . .

I have a complaint to make. My complaint is. . .

Thank you for your time.

Thank you for your help.

I appreciate your assistance.

May I please speak to a manager?

Who do I need to talk to about this?

I'm not satisfied with the service.

You may have to speak to several people before your problem is solved to your satisfaction. Be patient and persistent, and you will be successful in having your problem solved. Best of all, you did it yourself, and you did it in English!