Expressions for Talking on the Phone
Expressions for Talking on the Phone 📞
Phone conversations can be challenging, especially for English learners. You can’t see facial expressions or body language, so words and tone become even more important.
In this guide, you’ll learn useful expressions for talking on the phone — from answering calls to leaving messages and ending conversations politely.
Let’s make your phone English sound smooth, confident, and professional! 🌟
☎️ 1. Answering the Phone
The first impression matters! Here are some common and polite ways to answer a phone call:
| Expression | When to Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| “Hello?” | Informal situations | “Hello? Who’s calling?” |
| “Good morning/afternoon, [Company Name]. How may I help you?” | Professional calls | “Good afternoon, Global Travel Agency. How may I help you?” |
| “Hi, this is [Name] speaking.” | Friendly and polite | “Hi, this is Sarah speaking.” |
💡 Tip: Always answer the phone with a friendly tone — it shows confidence and respect.
💬 2. Asking Who’s Calling
Sometimes, you don’t recognize the voice. Here’s how to ask politely:
| Expression | Example |
|---|---|
| “Who’s calling, please?” | “Who’s calling, please?” |
| “May I ask who’s speaking?” | “May I ask who’s speaking?” |
| “Could I know who’s calling?” | “Could I know who’s calling?” |
🔑 Avoid saying “Who are you?” — it sounds rude in English.
🗣️ 3. Introducing Yourself on the Phone
| Expression | Example |
|---|---|
| “Hi, this is [Name] from [Company].” | “Hi, this is Emma from Bright English School.” |
| “Hello, my name is [Name]. I’m calling about…” | “Hello, my name is Mark. I’m calling about the meeting tomorrow.” |
| “Hey, it’s [Name]. How are you?” | “Hey, it’s Tom. How are you?” |
🎯 Use “Hi” or “Hey” for friends, and “Hello” for professional or formal calls.
🕒 4. Asking to Speak to Someone
| Expression | Example |
|---|---|
| “Can I speak to [Name], please?” | “Can I speak to Mr. Johnson, please?” |
| “Is [Name] available?” | “Is Lisa available right now?” |
| “May I talk to [Name]?” | “May I talk to your manager?” |
🗒️ Tip: Always include “please” — it makes your request polite and professional.
🔁 5. Transferring or Holding the Call
If you work in an office or handle calls, these are very useful:
| Expression | Example |
|---|---|
| “Please hold on for a moment.” | “Please hold on while I transfer your call.” |
| “I’ll connect you to the right department.” | “I’ll connect you to customer service.” |
| “Could you please hold?” | “Could you please hold? I’ll check for you.” |
🎧 When someone says “Hold on,” it means wait on the line.
🗓️ 6. Leaving or Taking a Message
| Expression | Example |
|---|---|
| “Can I take a message?” | “Can I take a message for Mr. Adams?” |
| “Would you like to leave a message?” | “Would you like to leave a message for her?” |
| “Please tell him I called.” | “Please tell him I called this morning.” |
| “I’ll let him know you called.” | “I’ll let him know you called about the report.” |
📩 If the person isn’t available, offering to take a message sounds professional and kind.
📢 7. Asking Someone to Repeat Information
| Expression | Example |
|---|---|
| “Sorry, could you repeat that, please?” | “Sorry, could you repeat that, please?” |
| “I didn’t catch that. Could you say it again?” | “I didn’t catch that. Could you say it again?” |
| “Can you spell that for me, please?” | “Can you spell your name, please?” |
🔊 Keep your tone calm and polite when asking for repetition.
📞 8. Ending the Call Politely
How you end a call leaves a final impression — make it warm and natural.
| Expression | Example |
|---|---|
| “Thanks for calling!” | “Thanks for calling! Have a great day.” |
| “It was nice talking to you.” | “It was nice talking to you. Take care!” |
| “Speak to you soon.” | “Okay, speak to you soon.” |
| “Goodbye and have a great day!” | “Goodbye and have a great day!” |
🌼 Always finish with a friendly tone — it keeps communication positive.
📱 9. Useful Phrases for Common Phone Situations
| Situation | Expression |
|---|---|
| You can’t hear clearly | “Sorry, the line is bad.” / “You’re breaking up.” |
| You’re busy | “Can I call you back in a few minutes?” |
| Someone calls the wrong number | “Sorry, I think you have the wrong number.” |
| You missed a call | “Sorry I missed your call.” |
| You need more time | “Let me get back to you on that.” |
💬 Learning these phrases helps you handle any phone conversation with confidence.
💡 10. Practice Tips for Phone Conversations
Here’s how to improve your phone communication skills faster:
✅ Record yourself talking on the phone to check pronunciation.
✅ Listen to English call recordings or YouTube videos.
✅ Role-play phone conversations with a partner.
✅ Use English apps that include speaking exercises (like Cambly or Elsa Speak).
Practice makes everything easier — even phone calls! 💪
🧠 Bonus: Expressions to Sound More Natural
| Expression | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| “Just a second.” | Wait a moment. | “Just a second, I’ll check.” |
| “Hang on.” | Informal way to say “wait.” | “Hang on, I’ll find it.” |
| “Put me through.” | Connect me to someone. | “Can you put me through to the manager?” |
| “Call it a day.” | Finish work or stop for now. | “Let’s call it a day.” |
🌟 Using natural expressions makes you sound fluent and confident.
Expressions for Talking on the Phone
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Conclusion
Talking on the phone in English may seem difficult at first, but it becomes easier with practice. Use these expressions daily — when you call friends, talk to colleagues, or even order food.
The more you speak, the more confident you’ll feel. Keep practicing, stay polite, and soon you’ll handle any phone call like a pro!
