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10 Business English Phrases for Problems and Difficult Situations — Improve Your Work Communication
- Erin West
- Jun 9
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 19
Welcome to the Business English Phrases Quiz!
Problems happen in every workplace, and knowing how to talk about them in clear, natural Business English is important. In this article, you'll learn 10 must-know Business English phrases for discussing problems and difficult situations at work, with examples and a quiz to test yourself.
Today’s Focus:
Useful phrases for dealing with problems at work.
Today’s Challenge:
Picture this: something goes wrong during a project — not a disaster, but enough to slow things down. You’re staying positive and already working on a solution.
Which phrase best completes the sentence?
We’ve experienced a small ______, but we’re working on a solution.
A) setback
B) sitback
C) seatback
D) setpack
Choose the correct answer and test your Business English!
Now, let’s look at the meaning and examples.
SETBACK
noun
a problem that stops or slows progress for a short time
We had a small setback, but the project is still on track.
Their plan faced a setback when the data got lost.
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EXPERIENCE A SETBACK
phrase
to have a problem that slows progress
We experienced a setback when the computer system failed.
The team experienced a setback after the client changed their mind.
Don’t worry — many successful projects experience setbacks along the way.
Sitback, seatback and setpack are not real words.
That's right! The correct answer is A) setback.
Learn More Business English Phrases for Talking About Problems
Every job has problems — it’s just part of work life. In this quiz, you’ll learn some useful phrases people often use when talking about difficult situations at work. Ready to test your Business English? Let’s get started!
Please follow the steps below.
Step 1. Choose the correct word or phrase to complete each sentence.
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Step 2. How many did you get right? Read the idioms, definitions, and examples below.
RUN INTO
phrasal verb
to suddenly face a problem or an unexpected situation
The company ran into trouble with the new system.
We ran into some problems during the project.
FACE A CHALLENGE
phrase
to deal with something difficult
She faces a big challenge at work this week.
The team faced a challenge but didn't give up.
EXPERIENCE A SETBACK
phrase
to have a problem that slows progress
The project experienced a setback when we lost internet access.
We experienced a small setback, but we're back on track now.
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BE UNDER PRESSURE
phrase
to feel stressed because you have too much to do
She's under pressure to finish the report by Friday.
Everyone was under a lot of pressure before the product launch.
MISS THE DEADLINE
phrase
to finish something too late
If we miss the deadline, the client won't be happy.
He worked late so he wouldn't miss the deadline.
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DROP THE BALL
idiom
to make a mistake or forget to do something important
I really dropped the ball - I forgot to email the client.
He dropped the ball, and now we're behind schedule.
Want to learn more useful expressions? Common Business English Idioms: How Many Do You Know? (Fun Quiz Inside)
BE SHORT ON TIME
phrase
to not have enough time to do everything you need
We're short on time, so let's keep this meeting quick.
She was short on time and couldn't finish the task.
GET OFF TRACK
idiom
to stop focusing on the main goal
Let's not get off track - we need to finish this first.
The meeting got off track when we started talking about personal stuff.
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TACKLE THE ISSUE
phrase
to deal with the problem and try to fix it
We need to tackle the issue before it gets worse.
The manager helped us to tackle the issue quickly.
WORK OUT A SOLUTION
phrase
to find a way to fix a problem
Let's work out a solution that works for both teams.
They met to work out a solution to this urgent problem.
Step 3. Practice Your Business English Phrases. Download the PDF.
ANSWER KEY
1. We _____ a problem, so we had to stop the work.
A) found ourselves
B) ran into
C) carried out
The correct answer is B) ran into.
2. Our team is _____ with the tight deadline.
A) facing a challenge
B) running across
C) skipping an issue
The correct answer is A) facing a challenge.
3. We _____ a setback when the supplier missed the delivery date.
A) executed
B) exercised
C) experienced
The correct answer is C) experienced.
4. I’ve been _____ to finish this report by Friday.
A) under pressure
B) over the stress
C) in the mess
The correct answer is A) under pressure.
5. If we _____ the deadline, the client might cancel the contract.
A) lose
B) miss
C) meet
The correct answer is B) miss.
6. Someone _____ and forgot to send the file.
A) kicked the laptop
B) flipped the pancake
C) dropped the ball
The correct answer is C) dropped the ball.
7. We’re _____ time, so let’s keep the meeting brief.
A) short on
B) shirt off
C) shorts up
The correct answer is A) short on.
8. We got _____ during the presentation and lost time.
A) into action
B) along the way
C) off track
The correct answer is C) got off track.
9. We need to _____ the issue before it gets worse.
A) deal
B) tackle
C) talk
The correct answer is B) tackle.
10. Let’s _____ a solution together in the next meeting.
A) boil out
B) cry out
C) work out
The correct answer is C) work out.
Ready for more Business English practice? Click the image below to try another Business English Quiz!
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