English Lessons Library

Objective

Students will learn to use the phrasal verb 'put up with' and form second conditional sentences to complain effectively about hotel problems.

Article

When staying at a hotel, guests sometimes have to put up with problems like noisy neighbours or broken air conditioning. If they didn't put up with these issues, they would probably complain more often. For example, if the hotel had better soundproofing, guests wouldn't have to put up with loud noises late at night. Many people say that if they stayed somewhere else, they wouldn't put up with poor service or unclean rooms. However, if you put up with minor inconveniences, you might enjoy your trip more. But if the problems were serious, like no hot water, most guests would not put up with that and would ask for a refund or change of room. So, if hotels improved their standards, guests wouldn't need to put up with so much discomfort. In the end, if you had to put up with bad conditions again, you might choose a different hotel next time.

Grammar Explanation

Meaning

'Put up with' means to tolerate or accept something unpleasant without complaining.

Grammar Note

The second conditional is used to talk about hypothetical or unlikely situations in the present or future. It follows the structure: If + past simple, would + base verb.

Usage Tips

Use 'put up with' to describe tolerating something annoying or difficult.
Combine the second conditional to imagine what would happen if conditions were different.
Remember the structure: If + past simple, would + verb for second conditional sentences.

Examples

If I didn’t have to put up with noisy neighbours, I would sleep better at the hotel.

Talking about better sleep if noise wasn't tolerated.

Guests wouldn’t put up with broken air conditioning if the hotel were more comfortable.

Guests' reaction to poor facilities.

If the hotel had better service, I wouldn’t put up with long waiting times at reception.

Complaining about slow service.

I would not put up with dirty sheets if I stayed at a luxury hotel.

Expectations of cleanliness.

If the hotel didn’t put up with complaints, it would improve its facilities faster.

Hotel's response to guest complaints.

Dialogue

Context: A guest complains to the hotel receptionist about problems in their room.

Guest:

I don’t know why I have to put up with this noise every night. It’s impossible to sleep.

Receptionist:

I’m very sorry about that. If the hotel had better soundproofing, you wouldn’t have to put up with this.

Guest:

Exactly. If I didn’t have to put up with these problems, I would enjoy my stay much more.

Receptionist:

If you like, I can offer you another room away from the noise.

Guest:

That would be great. I wouldn’t put up with the noise if I had another option.

Receptionist:

I’ll arrange it for you right away.

Vocabulary

Complaint

A statement expressing dissatisfaction or annoyance

Example: She made a complaint about the noisy room.

Synonym: Grievance

Receptionist

A person who greets and helps guests at a hotel

Example: The receptionist gave me a room key.

Synonym: Front desk clerk

Soundproofing

Materials or methods used to block out sound

Example: Good soundproofing is important in hotels near busy streets.

Synonym: Noise insulation

Facilities

Services or equipment provided for guests

Example: The hotel has excellent facilities including a gym and pool.

Synonym: Amenities

Inconvenience

Something that causes trouble or discomfort

Example: We apologise for the inconvenience caused by the delay.

Synonym: Disruption

Refund

Money returned to a customer for a problem or dissatisfaction

Example: I asked for a refund because the room was not clean.

Synonym: Reimbursement

Hypothetical

Based on possible ideas or situations rather than facts

Example: The second conditional talks about hypothetical situations.

Synonym: Theoretical

Tolerate

To accept something unpleasant without complaining

Example: I can’t tolerate loud noises at night.

Synonym: Endure

Luxury

Something expensive and providing great comfort

Example: We stayed in a luxury hotel by the beach.

Synonym: Deluxe

Service

Help or work done for others, especially in hotels or restaurants

Example: The hotel’s service was excellent throughout our stay.

Synonym: Assistance

Tips

When complaining politely, use the second conditional to sound less direct and more hypothetical.
Use 'put up with' to express tolerance but imply the situation is not ideal.
Avoid using 'put up with' for positive situations; it always implies something unpleasant.

Summary

In this lesson, you learned how to use the phrasal verb 'put up with' to express tolerating unpleasant hotel situations. You also practised forming second conditional sentences to talk about hypothetical complaints at a hotel. These skills will help you describe problems politely and effectively.

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