The phrases in this section are commonly used in telephone conversations, when calling directory enquiries and when using mobiles.
Making and answering a call
hello! |
John speaking |
it's Maria here |
could I speak to …, please? |
Bill |
speaking! |
who's calling? |
could I ask who's calling? |
where are you calling from? |
what company are you calling from? |
how do you spell that? |
do you know what extension he's on? |
one moment, please |
hold the line, please |
I'll put him on |
I'll put her on |
I'm sorry, he's … |
not available at the moment |
in a meeting |
I'm sorry, she's … |
on another call |
not in at the moment |
would you like to leave a message? |
could you ask him to call me? |
could you ask her to call me? |
can I take your number? |
what's your number? |
could I take your name and number, please? |
I'll call back later |
is it convenient to talk at the moment? |
can I call you back? |
please call back later |
thanks for calling |
how do I get an outside line? |
have you got a telephone directory? |
can I use your phone? |
If you receive an unwanted phone call, you might find the following expressions useful:
I'm sorry, I'm not interested |
sorry, I'm busy at the moment |
English phrase guide | |
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Page 60 of 61 | |
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Applying for a job |
Writing letters and emails
➔ |
Problems
I can't get a dialling tone |
the line's engaged |
I can't get through at the moment |
I'm only getting an answering machine |
sorry, you must have the wrong number |
can you hear me OK? |
I can't hear you very well |
it's a bad line |
could you please repeat that? |
I've been cut off |
Directory enquiries
do you know the number for …? |
directory enquiries |
international directory enquiries |
could you tell me the number for …? |
the National Gallery |
do you know the address? |
I'm afraid that number's ex-directory |
could you tell me the dialing code for …? |
Manchester |
Mobile phones
my battery's about to run out |
I need to charge up my phone |
I'm about to run out of credit |
sorry, I ran out of credit |
I can't get a signal |
I've got a very weak signal |
I'll send you a text |
I'll text you later |
could I borrow your phone, please? |
I'd like a phonecard, please |
Sample answerphone message
Thank you for calling. |
There's no-one here to take your call at the moment. |
Please leave a message after the tone, and we'll get back to you as soon as possible. |