Telephone Conversation Phrases

Communicating via telephone can be a very difficult task for non-native English speakers, even sometimes for native English speakers. There are so many different dialects, local words/phrases, and accents. There are some common phrases and words that are used. There are some common basic words and phrases that are commonly used to conduct a telephone conversation.

Common Telephone Phrases for the Person Make The Phone Call (Caller)

Greeting -

• Hi - Hello - Hello, how are you?
• good morning - good afternoon -good evening

Introductions -

• This is .... (give your name)
• This is ....( give your name, from (state place, or company).
• Hello this ...(give your name)

Requesting Someone -

• May I please speak to .... (give the person's name)
• I would like to speak to...(give the person's name)
• Is ....(give the person's name) available.
• Is it possible to speak to ....(give the person's name).
• I need to speak to ....(give the person's name)

When Party (the person you are trying to call) is Unavailable

• May I leave a message, please?
• Do you know when he/she will be available?
• Do you know when he/she will return to the office/home?
• I will call back latter/in an hour/tomorrow.
• Please tell him .....(give your name) called, and I will call latter/call again.
• Please have him/she call me back.
• May I leave my telephone number? My phone number is.....(give your number)?
• Please have him/her contact at ......(state a place or a phone number).
• Where/How can I reach him/her?
• What is her/his mobile phone number/Cell/Cellular phone number?

Faxes

• May I send you a fax?
• What is your fax number?
• Did you receive my fax?
• I send a fax to..... (give person's name), did he.she receive it?

Asking for Information

Other Useful Telephone Phrases/Words

• The number is busy.
• My I hold on the line.
• I sorry can't hear you.
• I sorry I can't understand you.
• Please speak slowly, I am having a difficult time understanding you.
• Who am I speaking to?
• Who is calling?
• The line was disconnected.
• Please connect me to ....(give the name or the person, or the extensions)