Making and Receiving Telephone

Most commonly used word-groups while making a phone call

• Hello? Is that (the HDFC bank)?
• Can I speak to (the manager), please?
• Can I have extension 801?
• Could I speak to…? (Can I – more informal / May I – more formal)
• Is George in? (Informal idiom meaning: Is George in the office?)
• I’d like to speak to (Miss Alice)
• I’m calling to ask about…
• I’d like to ask about / in inquire / know if…
• Can / Could you give any information about / on…?
• I’d appreciate it if you could give me some information on…
• I wonder if you could tell me about…
• I was wondering if you could help me…
• I’d like to know…
• I’d like to speak to…
• Could I speak to someone who…
• Could you put me through to Mr. Jones, please?
• Can / Could you tell me…?
• Sorry to trouble you, but is…
• Do you have any idea when / What / Where…
• Hello is this Dr John’s office?

Answering the phone

• Good morning / afternoon / evening, Jackson Enterprises, Silvia Jones speaking.
• This is … speaking
• How can I help you?
• How may I help you?
• Could you speak up, please?
• Who’s speaking, please?
• Excuse me, who is this?
• Can I ask who is calling, please?
• Am I speaking to…?
• Could you spell that please?
• Am I speaking to..?
• Could you spell that 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. John is available
• Hello / This is (9849227667) / (Venkat)
• Who’s speaking, please?
• Who’s calling?
• Excuse me, who is this?
• Can I ask who is calling, please?
• Speaking.
• This is Swarna.
• Swarna speaking.
• This is (me) speaking
• Hold on / Hang on.
• I’ll call him / I’ll get him.
• I’ll put you through/I’ll connect you.
• Goodbye.