Telephoning expressions
First contact
Good morning! / Good afternoon!
I’m calling from Germany.
I’d like to speak to Mr. Jackson,
please.
Answering the phone
Hello, John Smith speaking.
Introducing yourself
Good morning / afternoon, Mr Jackson.
This is Helen Strong. I’m calling from Company X.
Saying why you’re calling
The reason I’m calling is...
I’m calling about…
The reason I’m calling is...
Connecting got the other speaker
Just a moment, please. I’ll put you
through.
I’m sorry, the line’s busy / engaged.
I’m afraid she’s on another line.
Would you like to hold?
Explaining / apologizing
He’s not available just now.
He’s in a conference today.
He’s expected back at 1.30.
I’m afraid she’s not in the office
today.
Offering help
How can I help you?
Can I ask what it’s about?
May I have your name, please?
Can I take a message?
Can I give him a message?
Promising action
I’ll get back to you on that.
I’ll put the information in the post.
I’ll send it by e-mail.
I’ll ask my secretary to arrange that.
Arranging a meeting
Can we fix an appointment?
How about Thursday at 11.00?
Does Tuesday suit you?
Let me check my diary.
Controlling the conversation
Sorry, I didn’t catch that.
Sorry, I didn’t get that.
Could you repeat that, please?
What was your name again, please?
info@synergylanguage.com – www.synergylanguage.com
4795-8716 – Av. Maipú 311 3° C – Vte. López – Buenos Aires
I’d like to speak to the person in
charge of …
I’d like to leave a message for…
Could I speak to…?
Good morning, Dattatec Ltd.
I’m calling about…
I’m calling in reply to your email.
I’m returning your call.
I’m afraid there’s no answer.
Would you like to speak to someone
else?
Would you like to call back later?
I’m afraid he’s away on business this
week.
I’m afraid she won’t be in till
Thursday.
I’m sorry, we were cut off.
Can I take down your number?
Is it urgent?
Can she call you back when she gets
in?
Can I get him to call you back?
I’ll give her the message as soon as
possible.
I’ll find out and get back to you
Yes I’m free at around 11.00.
I’d prefer the afternoon.
OK. So that’s 11 o’clock at you office.
Could you speak up a bit, please? This
is a bad line.
Could you speak a bit louder, please?
Could you speak more slowly, please?
Taking/leaving a message
Would you like to leave a message? Can I leave a message?
Can I take a message?

Checking information
Could you spell that for me, please? May I repeat that?
Is that “B” for banana? So that’s (00 44) 1327 – 128649.
I’ll spell that for you. Can I read that back to you?

Confirming and summarizing

Let’s just go over that again. We’ve agreed that…
Can I just summarize?

Closing the call

Fine! / Right! / OK! Was there anything you wanted to
Is there anything else? add?
I think that was all.

Finishing positively
Thanks for your help. Hope to see you in Buenos Aires soon.
We’ll be in touch next week. Bye! / Goodbye, then!
I look forward to hearing from you Thank you. Bye!
soon. You’re welcome. Bye!

info@synergylanguage.com – www.synergylanguage.com
4795-8716 – Av. Maipú 311 3° C – Vte. López – Buenos Aires