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How to make a telephone call in English
How to make a telephone call in English1. Basic phrases for making a call
When you make a phone call, you can use these basic phrases to introduce yourself and explain why you're calling.
Hello, this is [Your Name]. - Used to introduce yourself at the beginning of the call.
I am calling about [the meeting]. - Used to explain the reason for the call.
Can I speak to [Mr. Smith]? - A polite way to ask if the person you want to talk to is available.
I would like to speak to [Mr. Smith], please. - Another polite way to ask for someone.
Is [Mr. Smith] available? - Used when you are asking if the person is free to talk.
I'm sorry, he's not available. - Used to tell the caller that the person they are trying to reach is not free.
2. Phrases for leaving a message:
If the person you are calling is not available, you may need to leave a message.
Could you please ask him to call me back? - A polite way to ask for a return call.
Please tell him I called. - A simple request to let the person know you called.
I'll call back later. - Used when you plan to try again at a different time.
My phone number is [your number]. - To give your number for the person to call you back.
3. Phrases to end the call:
When you are ready to finish the call, use these phrases:
Thank you for your time. - A polite way to end the conversation.
Goodbye. - The basic way to say goodbye.
It was nice talking to you. - A polite expression used at the end of the call.
Have a great day! - A friendly way to wish the person well after the call.
4. How to leave a message on a voicemail:
Sometimes you may need to leave a message on a voicemail (an answering machine). Here is how to do it:
Hello, this is [Your Name]. I am calling about [the meeting].
Please call me back at [your phone number].
I am available after [time].
Thank you!
Be sure to leave your name, reason for calling, and contact details in your message.
5. Telephone numbers in the UK and USA:
-British Phone Numbers:
Format: In the UK, phone numbers usually have 11 digits.
Example: 020 7946 0958 (London area) or 07890 123456 (mobile phone).
International Dialing: When calling the UK from abroad, you use +44 and remove the first zero of the area code.
Example: +44 20 7946 0958 or +44 7890 123456.
-American Phone Numbers:
Format: In the USA, phone numbers are made up of 10 digits, broken into three parts: area code, prefix, and line number.
Example: +1 212 555 1234.
International Dialing: When calling the USA from abroad, you use +1 followed by the 10-digit phone number.
6. Example dialogue:
Here's an example of a simple phone conversation:
John:
Hello, this is John speaking. How can I help you?
Sarah:
Hi John, this is Sarah. I'm calling about the meeting tomorrow. Can I speak to Mr. Brown?
John:
I'm sorry, he's not available right now. Would you like to leave a message?
Sarah:
Yes, please. Tell him I called about the meeting. My phone number is 07890 123456.
John:
I'll make sure he gets the message. Hold on a moment, please. I'll try to reach him for you.
Sarah:
Okay, I'll wait. By the way, I'll be available after 1 o'clock tomorrow if he wants to call back.
John:
Sounds good. I'll make sure to pass the message along. Thank you for calling, Sarah! Have a great day!
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