'I've had a flat tyre'?

[Mehrgan]

Hi there,
Could you please tell me if this is commonly used in BrE too, or there is any expression using the word 'puncture'?




Many thanks!

[5jj]

If it happened while I was driving along, I'd be more likely to use 'puncture', I think. If I came out in the morining and discovered it, I'd probably call it 'a flat tyre'.

[Mehrgan]

If it happened while I was driving along, I'd be more likely to use 'puncture', I think. If I came out in the morining and discovered it, I'd probably call it 'a flat tyre'.

So, would it be used like, 'I've just had a puncture!'? Thanks a lot!

[BobK]

Yes, but the need for a present perfect would rarely be justified by context. The 'tyre' is sometimes omitted: 'I had a flat on the way here' is possible. You can also say 'blow-out' (if it's a dramatic and sudden deflation). 'Blow-out' can also be used, though there's another meaning for 'blow-out' - to do with eating a lot*. But if you turn up late at a party and say 'Sorry I'm late, I had a blow-out on the way' there's little risk of confusion.

b

PS * The film La Grande Bouffe was translated as The Blow-Out.