telephone language

here are some typical phrases that you can use in a telephone conversation.

answering the phone

• hello? (informal)
• thank you for calling boyz autobody. jody speaking. how can i help you?
• doctor's office.

introducing yourself

• hey george. it's lisa calling. (informal)
• hello, this is julie madison calling.
• hi, it's gerry from the dentist's office here.
• this is she.*
• speaking.*

*the person answering says this if the caller does not recognize their voice.

asking to speak with someone

• is fred in? (informal)
• is jackson there, please? (informal)
• can i talk to your sister? (informal)
• may i speak with mr. green, please?
• would the doctor be in/available?

connecting someone

• just a sec. i'll get him. (informal)
• hang on one second. (informal)
• please hold and i'll put you through to his office.
• one moment please.
• all of our operators are busy at this time. please hold for the next available person.

making special requests

• could you please repeat that?
• would you mind spelling that for me?
• could you speak up a little please?
• can you speak a little slower please. my english isn't very strong.
• can you call me back? i think we have a bad connection.
• can you please hold for a minute? i have another call.

taking a message for someone

• sammy's not in. who's this? (informal)
• i'm sorry, lisa's not here at the moment. can i ask who's calling?
• i'm afraid he's stepped out. would you like to leave a message?
• he's on lunch right now.who's calling please?
• he's busy right now. can you call again later?
• i'll let him know you called.
• i'll make sure she gets the message.

leaving a message with someone

• yes, can you tell him his wife called, please.
• no, that's okay, i'll call back later.
• yes, it's james from compinc. here. when do you expect her back in the office?
• thanks, could you ask him to call brian when he gets in?
• do you have a pen handy. i don't think he has my number.
• thanks. my number is 222-3456, extension 12.

confirming information

• okay, i've got it all down.
• let me repeat that just to make sure.
• did you say 555 charles st.?
• you said your name was john, right?
• i'll make sure he gets the message.

listening to an answering machine

• hello. you've reached 222-6789. please leave a detailed message after the beep.thank you.
• hi, this is elizabeth. i'm sorry i'm not available to take your call at this time. leave me a message and i'll get back to you as soon as i can.
• thank you for calling dr. mindin's office. our hours are 9am-5pm, monday-friday. please call back during these hours, or leave a message after the tone. if this is an emergency please call the hospital at 333-7896.

leaving a message on an answering machine

• hey mikako. it's yuka. call me! (informal)
• hello, this is ricardo calling for luke. could you please return my call as soon as possible. my number is 334-5689. thank you.
• hello maxwell. this is marina from the doctor's office calling. i just wanted to let you know that you're due for a check-up this month. please give us a ring/buzz whenever it's convenient.

finishing a conversation

• well, i guess i better get going. talk to you soon.
• thanks for calling. bye for now.
• i have to let you go now.
• i have another call coming through. i better run.
• i'm afraid that's my other line.
• i'll talk to you again soon. bye.