29 USEFUL EXPRESSIONS FOR THE TELEPHONE

Answering the phone

Amstan Incorporated. How may I help you? (business / formal)

Hello? (informal / private calls)

Identifying yourself – the caller [notice the use of “this”]

Hello. This is Nick Saunders.

Hi, this is Sally Fields.

Asking for identification

Who’s calling, please?

Which company are you calling from, please?

Asking to speak with someone

Could I speak to Bob Mitchell, please?

Is Nancy Smith there, please?

Giving details of a call

It’s about the job advert in the paper.

I’m calling to confirm the meeting for tomorrow.

Connecting someone

I’ll just put you through.

I’m just connecting you.

Problems

I’m sorry but the line is engaged at the moment. Would you like to call back later?

She isn’t here right now. Shall I tell her you called?

Inviting someone to leave a message

Can I take a message?

Would you like to leave a message?

Leaving a message

Can you tell her that Jane called, please?

Could you tell her to call me as soon as possible, please?

Could you repeat that, please?

Would you mind spelling that for me, please?

Could you speak up a little bit, please?

Can you speak a little more slowly, please?

Could I call you back later, please? The line’s really bad.

How do you spell that, please?

Could I have your e-mail address, please?

Closing the conversation

I look forward to seeing you next week.

Thanks for that.

Saying goodbye

Thanks. Bye.

Bye. Talk later.