Conversation on the Phone: Calls and Messages

TL;DR: Master English expressions used during phone conversations, voice calls, and when leaving messages. These practical phrases will help you communicate…

Master English expressions used during phone conversations, voice calls, and when leaving messages. These practical phrases will help you communicate confi

Conversation on the Phone: Calls and Messages

• Hello, who is this? — To ask who is calling you or who is on the other end of the line (e.g. Hello, who is this? I do not recognize your voice.)
• Can I speak to Priya? — To ask if a specific person is available to talk (e.g. Can I speak to Priya? This is her friend Anisha.)
• Hold on for a moment, please. — To ask someone to wait while you do something (e.g. Hold on for a moment, please. She is coming to the phone.)
• I will call you back later. — To say you will call someone again at a different time (e.g. I will call you back later. I am busy right now.)
• Can you speak louder? — To ask someone to increase the volume of their voice (e.g. Can you speak louder? The connection is bad and I cannot hear you.)
• You are breaking up. — To tell someone that the call quality is poor and the sound is cutting off (e.g. You are breaking up. Can you move to a better location?)
• I cannot hear you. — To say that the other person's voice is not coming through clearly (e.g. I cannot hear you. Can you call me back?)
• My battery is low. — To inform someone that your phone will soon run out of power (e.g. My battery is low. I need to charge it soon. Let me call you later.)
• What is your number? — To ask for someone's phone number (e.g. What is your number? I want to call you tomorrow.)
• Did you get my message? — To ask if someone received a text message or email from you (e.g. Did you get my message? I sent it an hour ago.)
• Can I leave a message? — To ask if you can record a message since the person is not available (e.g. Can I leave a message? When will he be back?)
• This is a wrong number. — To tell someone that they have called the incorrect phone number (e.g. This is a wrong number. You have the wrong person.)
• Please call me back when you have time. — A polite way to ask someone to contact you later (e.g. Please call me back when you have time. It is not urgent.)
• I am sending you a message. — To inform someone that you are about to text them (e.g. I am sending you a message with my new address.)
• What is the best time to call? — To ask when would be most convenient for someone to receive a call (e.g. What is the best time to call? I do not want to disturb your studies.)
• Thank you for calling. — A polite farewell expression at the end of a phone conversation (e.g. Thank you for calling. Take care of yourself.)
• I will text you the details. — To say you will send written information by text message (e.g. I will text you the details. It is easier than explaining on the phone.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do people say things differently on the phone than in person?

On the phone, you cannot see facial expressions or body language, so you need to be clearer and more direct. You also need to speak more slowly and loudly. Additionally, phone conversations are more brief and to the point compared to face-to-face conversation.

What should I do if I call someone and they do not answer?

You have a few options. You can call again after a few minutes, you can send a text message, or you can leave a voice message. A good message is: 'Hi, this is Rahul. Please call me back when you get a chance.' Always leave your name so they know who called.

More Vocabulary Sets

• Conversation Starters: Greetings and Introductions
• Conversation at School: Classroom and Friends
• Conversation While Shopping: Shops and Markets
• Conversation While Traveling: Trains, Buses, and Hotels

🤖 Stuck on any of these? Ask Syllab's free AI Tutor to explain step by step →