Learn English at the Apple Store

Attached in one place so it cannot be carried around.

Tone and use: Neutral descriptive phrase. Explain that an object, such as an older telephone, was installed in a fixed location.

May not fit: If it is only resting against a wall, say placed against the wall.

Carry this object wherever I go.

Tone and use: Common practical phrase for portable items. Describe the convenience of taking a phone, laptop, or other item along.

May not fit: For an item that is too large or fragile to carry, say move or transport it.

Change how loud or quiet the sound is.

Tone and use: Neutral everyday technology language. Talk about changing sound level on a device or in a room.

May not fit: If the device has no sound control, say turn the speaker up or down only when that is accurate.

Switch a device or feature into its active state.

Tone and use: Very common everyday instruction. Start a device, sound, setting, or function.

May not fit: Use turn it off to stop it or switch it on for a slightly more formal alternative.

Change a device or feature to its inactive state.

Tone and use: Common instruction; switch off and turn off have similar meanings. Stop a sound, device, or setting from operating.

May not fit: For a computer, use shut it down when you mean a full shutdown rather than a quick power toggle.

Secure the device screen so it cannot be used without unlocking it.

Tone and use: Neutral technology language. Describe securing a phone or computer without fully powering it down.

May not fit: Do not use it to mean turn off the device; the screen can be locked while the device remains on.

Move a finger upward across a touchscreen to trigger an action.

Tone and use: Common touchscreen instruction. Explain a gesture on a phone or tablet.

May not fit: If the action is a tap or a horizontal gesture, name that gesture instead.

Type or otherwise provide the password required to access an account or device.

Tone and use: Neutral technology phrase. Describe signing in or unlocking a protected device.

May not fit: Never share a real password in conversation or on an untrusted screen.

A company that provides mobile network access and phone plans.

Tone and use: Neutral service vocabulary; carrier is a shorter common alternative in the United States. Ask which company provides a phone’s cellular connection.

May not fit: A phone retailer may sell a device without being the company that provides its network service.

Purchase a service package that renews or is paid for each month.

Tone and use: Practical consumer language. Talk about arranging recurring phone, internet, or subscription service.

May not fit: Check the billing terms because some plans are prepaid or do not renew monthly.

A large number of applications; ton is an informal exaggeration, not a literal weight.

Tone and use: Casual spoken emphasis. Say that a device or service offers many apps or options.

May not fit: For a precise comparison or formal writing, state the actual number.

Switch between the front-facing and rear-facing camera.

Tone and use: Common casual technology instruction. Change which camera is active while taking a photo or video.

May not fit: If the app uses a specific control, say switch to the front camera for clarity.

Take a photograph of yourself, usually with a phone camera.

Tone and use: Common informal vocabulary. Talk about making a self-portrait with a camera or phone.

May not fit: For a formal description, use take a self-portrait.

Make a subject appear larger in a photo, video, or view.

Tone and use: Neutral and widely used with cameras and maps. Bring a distant or small detail closer in the frame.

May not fit: If you physically move closer, say move closer rather than zoom in.

Make the background look less sharp or clear, often to emphasize the person in front.

Tone and use: Neutral photography vocabulary. Describe a portrait effect that keeps the subject clearer than the surroundings.

May not fit: Use blur the subject if the main person or object is the part made unclear.

Played back more slowly than the action originally happened.

Tone and use: Standard video and sports phrase. Describe footage that lets viewers see fast movement more slowly.

May not fit: Do not confuse it with slow motion as in moving slowly in real life.

The action is played faster than it happened in real time.

Tone and use: Conversational explanation of time-lapse or accelerated footage. Describe a video that compresses a long process into a short clip.

May not fit: If only the audio is faster or the clip is edited differently, specify that instead.

Use Bluetooth to establish a wireless connection between compatible devices.

Tone and use: Neutral and common technology language. Explain how a phone links to headphones, speakers, or another accessory.

May not fit: If the devices need first-time setup, say pair the devices; if already set up, connect or reconnect is clearer.

Make the sound quieter.

Tone and use: Common practical instruction. Ask someone to reduce the sound level.

May not fit: For a display or light, say lower the brightness instead.

A setting that silences or limits alerts so they do not interrupt you.

Tone and use: Neutral device setting and everyday request. Describe activating a focus setting or asking not to be interrupted.

May not fit: If you only want to silence one app, adjust that app’s notifications instead.

The lowest price for a basic version before optional upgrades or extras.

Tone and use: Common retail and product-comparison language. Explain that the displayed base price may increase with added features.

May not fit: Confirm what is included, because taxes, fees, and configurations can change the total.

Choose a more capable version with additional memory, usually at a higher cost.

Tone and use: Common device-shopping language. Talk about choosing a device configuration with more capacity.

May not fit: Memory and storage are different technical specifications; check which one the product actually offers.

Purchase the items individually rather than receiving them as part of a bundle.

Tone and use: Neutral and practical shopping language. Explain that accessories are not included with a main product.

May not fit: If the accessories are included in another package, name that bundle.

The amount you pay will increase from the current or base price.

Tone and use: Neutral everyday phrase. Explain how optional features or changes affect a cost.

May not fit: For a confirmed exact total, state the final price instead of predicting an increase.

Arrange a specific time to meet or receive a service.

Tone and use: Common service and scheduling phrase. Book a product demo, consultation, medical visit, or other scheduled service.

May not fit: If the service accepts walk-ins, you may not need to make an appointment.

Select a particular time from the available options.

Tone and use: Neutral scheduling language. Pick an appointment or event time from a list.

May not fit: If the time is already fixed, confirm it rather than choose one.

Waiting for a person to arrive and accompany or collect you.

Tone and use: Conversational; context makes clear whether someone is escorting or picking you up. Explain that a staff member or friend is expected to meet you and take you somewhere.

May not fit: For a car pickup, say pick me up; come and get me can also sound like a challenge without context.

Connect a device to a power source or socket using a plug or cable.

Tone and use: Very common practical instruction. Explain how to supply power to a device.

May not fit: For a wireless charger, place the device on the charging pad instead of implying a cable connects to the phone.

Place the phone on the upper surface of the charger so it can charge.

Tone and use: Clear everyday instruction. Explain how to position a phone on a charging pad.

May not fit: Check that the charger supports the phone and that the placement is correct.

Good enough in quality or value to justify the amount it costs.

Tone and use: Common personal evaluation; the judgment can differ from person to person. Give an opinion about whether a product or experience is worth its cost.

May not fit: Do not present a personal value judgment as an objective fact; explain what matters to you.