On the telephone

Question 1

Answering the telephone (neutral)

Answer 1

Hello, Heleen Reunes

Heleen Reunes

Who’s calling please?

How may I help you?

Question 2

Answering the telephone (informal)

Answer 2

Heleen

Question 3

Call someone (neutral)

Answer 3

This is

Is this

Who is this please?

Hi, name, it’s Heleen

Question 4

Ask if someone is available (neutral)

Answer 4

Is… in?

Is…home?

Could I speak to…please?

Question 5

Speaking (neutral)

Answer 5

Speaking

Question 6

Put someone through (neutral)

Answer 6

One moment please

Would you hold?

Just a minute

I’ll put you through

I’ll see if I can find him/her

She/He ‘ll be right over

Question 7

Put someone through (informal)

Answer 7

Hang on a sec

Question 8

Say that someone cannot be reached (neutral)

Answer 8

I’m sorry but I’m afraid he/she is not in at the moment

… is in a meeting

The number is busy

I’m sorry but there’s no reply

Question 9

Ask to call back later (neutral)

Answer 9

Could you call back in an hour or so?

Why don’t you try again in an hour or so?

Have you got her/his mobile phone number?

Question 10

Ask if you should pass on a message (neutral)

Answer 10

Can I take a message?

Shall I leave a message for you?

Would you like to leave a message?

Question 11

Wrong number (neutral)

Answer 11

You must have dialed the wrong number

You’ve got the wrong number, I’m afraid