Idioms: Telephoning
Answering the phone
- Good morning/ afternoon/ evening, Jackson Enterprises, Sally Jones speaking.
- This is … speaking
- How can I help you?
- Could you speak up, please?
- Who's speaking, please?
- Am I speaking to …?
- Could you spell that please?
- Who would you like to talk to sir/ madam?
- One moment please, I'll see if Mr Jones is available.
Asking for someone
- I'd like to speak to …
- Could I speak to someone who …
- Could you put me through to Mr Jones, please?
Problems
- I'm sorry, I don't understand.
- I cannot hear you very well.
- You must have dialled the wrong number.
- I've tried to get through several times, but it's always engaged.
Putting someone through
- I'll put you through to …
- I'll connect you to…
- I'll put … on the line
- I'm sorry, there's no reply from Mr Jones
Putting someone on hold
- Just a moment, please.
- Hold on, please.
- Hold the line, please.
Asking someone to call back
- Thank you for waiting. I'm afraid Mr Jones is not in at the moment
- I'm sorry, Mr Jones is in a meeting
- Can/ Could you call back later in the day?
Taking a message