Describing Problems

Adjectives and nouns

 The jacket lining is torn

 It has a tear in it./ There’s a hole in it.

 Adjectives and nouns
As adjective  Past participle

 The jacket lining is torn

 It has a tear in it./ There’s a hole in it.

 Adjectives and nouns
As adjective  Past participle

 The laptop is damaged.

 There is some damage on the laptop.

 Adjectives and nouns
As adjective  Past participle

 The vase is chipped.

 There is a chip in it.

 Adjectives and nouns
As adjective  Past participle

 My pants are stained.

 They have a stain on them.

 Adjectives and nouns
As adjective  Past participle

 Her sunglasses are a little scratched.

 There are a few scratches on them.

 Adjectives and nouns
As adjective  Past participle
 The sink is leaking

 It has a leak.
 Adjectives and nouns
As adjective  Past participle
 The sink is leaking continuous form

 It has a leak.
Describing Problems II
 Keep + gerund
Refers to a repetitive action

 Ex.: What’s the problem with the oven?

 The oven keeps burning everything.

 Keep + gerund

 Ex.: What’s the problem with the alarm?

 The oven keeps going off.

 Keep + gerund

 My coffee mug keeps leaking

 My jeans keep shrinking
 My parents keep telling me to get married
 Need + gerund / infinitive

 Ex.: What’s the problem with the oven?

 The oven needs adjusting.

 The oven needs to be adjusted
 Keep + gerund

 Ex.: What’s the problem with the alarm?

 The alarm needs fixing;

 The alarm needs to be fixed.