What does "run into (a problem)" mean?

To unexpectedly face a problem or difficulty, often used in everyday business English.

7 Business English Expressions for Problems at Work – Quiz with Examples

Q: What’s the difference between "hit a snag" and "hit a roadblock"?

Both describe problems, but hit a snag is a small, unexpected issue that slows you down, while hit a roadblock is a major problem that can stop progress completely.

Q: Can I say "ran into a problem" in a business meeting?

Yes. Ran into a problem is neutral, common in U.S. offices, and works in meetings, emails, and everyday conversations.

Q: Is "backfire" formal or informal?

Neutral. You can use backfire in formal presentations and in casual team conversations.

Q: Are these expressions only for work?

No. Many work in daily life too, e.g., I hit a snag with my travel plans or Our weekend plans backfired when it rained.

Q: Which phrase should I use in professional emails?

Prefer slightly more formal choices like encountered an issue or faced a setback instead of ran into a problem or hit a snag.

Q: How can I practice these phrases effectively?

Use them in your emails or notes, try the quiz at the end of the article, and role-play short workplace scenarios like reporting a delay to a manager.

Q: Why should I learn Business English expressions for problems?

Problems are common at work. These expressions help you explain issues clearly, stay professional under pressure, and build credibility.

Q: What Business English expressions should I use when a project fails or stops?

Say we hit a roadblock if progress stopped, or the plan backfired if it had the opposite effect and created new problems.

Q: How do I report small problems at work?

Use hit a snag for a minor, unexpected issue, or we ran into a problem for a neutral, everyday way to report difficulties.

Q: What are some phrases for delays and unexpected issues?

Encounter an issue is a professional choice; face a setback is good when a delay or obstacle pushes your timeline back.

Erin West
Mar 23
5 min read

Updated: Sep 7

Business English expressions quiz about problems at work: sentence gap We ____ a problem with the supplier with four multiple-choice options.

In today’s fast-paced workplace, things don’t always go as planned. Deadlines slip. Shipments get delayed. Here are 7 Business English expressions Americans actually use to explain problems at work. Each one comes with short, easy examples you can copy. At the end, try a quick Business English Vocabulary Quiz to check your understanding.

Today's Challenge:

You’re managing a project when an unexpected issue comes up. A supplier calls to let you know there’s a delay with the materials. You report the problem to your manager. Here's how you explain the situation:

We _____ a problem with the supplier. Our materials won't arrive on time!

A) took over

B) put off

C) came up with

D) ran into

Choose the correct option and listen to the sentence.

Did you get it right?

TAKE OVER

phrasal verb

to start controlling something (a company or job)

Bill’s going to take over the project next week.

Can you take over while I grab some coffee?

A bigger company took over our startup.

I don’t think she’s ready to take over just yet.

PUT OFF

phrasal verb

to delay something until later

Let’s put off the meeting until tomorrow.

I keep putting off going to the dentist.

Don’t put it off too long—it’s important.

We can’t put off this decision any more.

COME UP WITH

phrasal verb

to think of an idea or plan

We need to come up with a better title.

She came up with a great idea for the ad.

Can you come up with something by Friday?

I’m trying to come up with a solution.

Black and teal graphic with text about streamlining eSignatures and document automation. Bold headings and checklist included.

RUN INTO

phrasal verb

to unexpectedly face a problem or difficulty

We ran into a few problems during the launch.

I ran into some traffic on the way here.

You might run into trouble if you skip the steps.

We ran into delays we didn’t expect.

That's right! The correct answer is D) ran into.

Quick Business English quiz: problems at work

Want more practice? Try our 6 Common Business English Collocations for Risks and Challenges and Raise vs. Rise in Business English: Meaning, Examples, and Quiz .

QUIZ - ANSWER KEY

1. We hit a _____ because the design team didn’t get the final approval.

A) roadblock

B) blockroad

C) blockhead

2. We _____ into a problem when the client’s file wouldn’t upload to the system.

A) flew

B) ran

C) faced

3. The hiring freeze _____ —it saved money short term, but now we’re understaffed.

A) backfired

B) backlogged

C) backed up

4. We hit a _____ with the paperwork, so the shipment’s delayed until next week.

A) snug

B) snack

C) snag

5. We _____ an issue with the billing system, but IT is already on it.

A) counted

B) countered

C) encountered

6. The new travel restrictions could cause _____ for our international sales team.

A) complications

B) complexes

C) calculations

7. They faced a _____ when the software update erased part of the database.

A) backache

B) backseat

C) setback

Nailed it! Click the image below to try another Business English Phrasal Verbs Quiz!

Business English Phrasal Verbs Quiz. Woman in a hard hat writes on clipboard. Text: "Phrasal Verbs: Before making changes, we should ______ a risk assessment." Options: A-D.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What’s the difference between “hit a snag” and “hit a roadblock”?

Both describe problems, but hit a snag usually means a small, unexpected issue that slows you down, while hit a roadblock means a major problem that can stop progress completely.

Can I say “ran into a problem” in a business meeting?

Yes. Ran into a problem is very common in U.S. offices. It’s neutral and works in meetings, emails, or casual conversations with colleagues.

Is “backfire” formal or informal?

It’s neutral. You can use it in both formal and informal settings. The strategy backfired works fine in a presentation or a team chat.

Are these expressions only for work?

No. Many are used in daily life too.

I hit a snag with my travel plans.
Our weekend plans backfired when it rained.

Which phrase should I use in professional emails?

In emails, go with slightly more formal phrases:

Use encountered an issue or faced a setback instead of ran into a problem or hit a snag. That way you sound professional but still natural.

How can I practice these phrases effectively?

Use them in your own emails or meeting notes.
Try the quiz at the end of this article.
Role-play short scenarios with a partner (e.g., reporting a delay to your manager).

Why should I learn Business English expressions for problems?

Because problems happen at work all the time. These expressions help you:

Explain issues clearly.
Stay professional under stress.
Build credibility with colleagues and clients.

What Business English expressions should I use when a project fails or stops?

You can say hit a roadblock if progress has stopped, or backfire if a plan had the opposite effect and caused more problems.

How do I report small problems at work?

Use hit a snag for minor unexpected issues, or ran into a problem for a neutral, everyday way to describe difficulties.

What are some phrases for delays and unexpected issues?

Try encounter an issue in a professional setting, or face a setback when a delay pushes your timeline back.

How do I explain problems in professional emails?

Use more formal choices like cause complications or encounter an issue. These sound clear and professional in business writing.

This article is brought to you by RealBusinessEnglish.com, where learning Business English is practical, professional, and just the right amount of fun.