Talking on the phone is an essential communication skill in English for both personal and professional contexts. It involves using clear and appropriate language to exchange information effectively over the phone.
Useful Phrases for Talking on the Phone
Formal Phone Phrases
- Good morning.
- Could you hold on a moment, please?
- I’m sorry, she is out of the office today.
- Thank you for calling.
- May I ask who is calling, please?
- I’m trying to contact him. Please wait a moment.
- I’m afraid my English is not very good. Could you speak a bit slower?
- I’m afraid he’s in a meeting.
- He’s free in the afternoon, after about two.
- I would like to make a reservation, please.
- May I speak to …?
- I’m afraid she is not available at the moment.
- May I take a message?
- Would you like to leave a message?
- I’d like to talk to …
- Can I put you on hold for a moment, please?
- Would you mind holding for just a moment?
- Would you like me to connect you to his voicemail?
Informal Phone Phrases
- Is … there?
- This is Harry.
- Hello, Ken speaking.
- Hello, George’s phone.
- Who is it?
- I’ll ask her to ring you when she gets back.
- Hang on a second.
- I can’t hear you very well.
- Who’s calling?
- I’ll let him know that you rang.
- Just a minute!
- Okay, wait a moment.
- Speak to you again soon.
- I’ll put you through.
- Is … free?
- Is … available?
- Can I talk to …?
- Hold on a sec.
- Just a moment.
Troubleshooting Phone Problems
- I’m sorry, you’re breaking up.
- The line is very faint. Could you speak up a bit?
- I think we have a bad connection. I’ll call you back.
Introducing Yourself on the Phone
- Hi, my name is … and I’m calling from …
- Good morning, this is … How may I assist you?
- Hello, this is … May I speak with …?
- My name is … and I’m calling to follow up on …
Asking to Speak with Someone
- May I speak with …, please?
- I’d like to speak with … Is he/she available?
- Could you connect me with …?
- Could you please transfer my call to …?
Connecting a Call
- Please hold while I transfer you.
- One moment, please.
Making a Request
- Could you please …?
- I was wondering if you could …
- I would appreciate it if you could …
Taking a Message
- Can I take a message?
- May I have your name and number, please?
- What is the call regarding?
Leaving a Message
- Can I leave a message?
- Please ask him to call me back.
- My number is …
Confirming a Message
- I understand. Thank you.
- Let me confirm that I got that right.
- I’ll make sure to pass that along.
Ending a Phone Conversation
- Thank you for calling. Have a great day.
- It was nice speaking with you.
- Talk to you later. Goodbye.
Formal vs. Informal Phone Calls
| Situation | Formal (Business) | Informal (Friends) |
|---|---|---|
| Answering | ABC Company, John speaking. How may I help? | Hello? / Hi, it’s John. |
| Asking for someone | May I speak to Mr. Smith, please? | Is Mike there? |
| Asking to wait | Would you mind holding for a moment? | Hang on a sec. |
| Ending | Thank you for calling. Goodbye. | Talk to you later. Bye. |
Last Updated on January 16, 2026
