ON THE PHONE .

ON THE PHONE . . .



INTRODUCING YOURSELF
Hello, this is Brad Pitt calling / speaking.
Hi, it's Tom from school

ASKING TO SPEAK WITH SOMEONE
Is Brad in? = Is Mary there, please? (informal)
May I speak with Mr. Thomson, please?
Can I talk to your mother? (informal)
This is she / speaking

TAKING A MESSAGE FOR SOMEONE
Betty is not in / Betty is out at the moment. Who's this?
I'm sorry, Lisa's not here at the moment. Can I ask who's calling?
She's busy right now. Can you call again later?
Would you like to leave a message?
I'll let her know you called.
Would you mind spelling that for me?
Can you speak a little slower please? My English isn't very strong.
Could you speak up a little please?

I'll make sure he gets the message.
Okay, I've got it all down.
Did you say 854 King Street?
You said your name was John, right? ANSWERING THE PHONE
Hello?
Mrs Smith speaking.

CONNECTING SOMEONE
Just a sec (= second). I'll get him. (informal)
Hang on one second. (informal) / One moment please.
Can you hold on a moment? (Pouvez-vous patienter quelques instants?)
“All of our operators are busy at this time. Please hold for the next available person.”


LEAVING A MESSAGE WITH SOMEONE
Yes, can you tell him his sister called, please.
No, that's okay, I'll call back later.
Thanks, could you ask him to call Brian when he gets in? My number is 554-3284, extension 28.


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'll talk to you again soon. Bye.



THE ANSWERING MACHINE

Hello. You've reached 222-786. Please leave
a message after the beep. Thank you.
Hi, this is Lucy. 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.
Leaving a message:

Hello, this is Mike calling for Jake. Could you please return my call as soon as possible. My number is 576-2351. Thank you.
Hey Steven. It's Joanna. Call me! (informal)



Useful words and expressions…

Where are the phone directories / phone books?
Where is the nearest phone box?
I want Directory Enquiries
I want to make a phone call to France
Hold the line
It's engaged / the line is busy
We were cut off
I've got the wrong number
The phone is out of order
I'll try again later To hang up ≠ to pick up / to answer
To call back / phone back
To dial

A cell phone = a mobile phone
A cordless phone
A phone booth /pay phone