Chasing a refund that never came

1. 1
   refund/ˈriːˌfʌnd/

   noun

   Money given back to you.
2. 2
   promise/ˈprɑːməs/

   verb

   To say firmly that something will happen.
3. 3
   chase/tʃeɪs/

   verb

   To keep asking until something is done.
4. 4
   agree/əˈɡriː/

   verb

   To say yes to something.
5. 5
   record/ˈrekərd/

   noun

   A written note of what happened.
6. 6
   escalate/ˈeskəˌleɪt/

   verb

   To pass a problem upwards.
7. 7
   compensation/ˌkɑːmpənˈseɪʃən/

   noun

   Money paid for trouble caused.
8. 8
   patience/ˈpeɪʃəns/

   noun

   The ability to wait calmly.
9. 9
   written/ˈrɪtən/

   adjective

   Put down on paper rather than said.
10. 10
    final/ˈfaɪnəl/

    adjective

    The last one.

The sentences

1. The refund still has not appeared.

2. Somebody did promise it last month.

3. This is the third time I chase it.

4. You did agree to this in writing.

5. Is there a record of that call?

6. I would like to escalate this now.

7. Is any compensation possible at this point?

8. My patience is running out, honestly.

9. Could I have that written down?

10. Is this your final answer on it?

Pronunciation

• agree/əˈɡriː/

  Stress the second syllable: a-GREE.

• compensation/ˌkɑːmpənˈseɪʃən/

  Stress the third syllable: com-pen-SA-tion.

• patience/ˈpeɪʃəns/

  Two syllables and the TI is SH: PAY-shence.

Questions

How do I ask for a refund in English?

Say 'The refund still has not appeared' or ask 'Is any compensation possible at this point?'

What does escalate mean in this context?

To escalate means to pass a problem upwards, as in 'I would like to escalate this now.'

How do I ask for something in writing?

You can say 'Could I have that written down?'