How to say it · Out and about

Opening a phone call

The first five seconds of a call are the hardest: no face, no smile, and they're waiting. Say who you are and why you're calling, in that order.

6 ways to say it

At the kitchen table, Jo smiles into her phone with a notepad ready, a waving hand in her speech bubble.

How formalCasualFormal

Hi, I'm calling aboutbest default Hi, it's Jothey know you Is this a good time?check first I'm just calling to checkquick errand Could you put me through toask for a person Good morning, my name'sfirst contact

Way 1 · best default

Hi, I'm calling about

Gives your reason straight away. Works with a doctor's surgery, a shop, a hotel or a company.

How formalMiddle

ToneNeutral

Use itAnywhere

Examples

Hi, I'm calling about my ear. I think it might be an infection.

Hi, I'm calling about an order that was due last Friday.

In a conversation

A: Good morning, Riverside Surgery. How can I help?
B: Hi, I'm calling about my ear. I've had pain for four days now.

Common mistake

Not: ~~Hello, I call~~ about my order.

Say: Hi, I'm calling about my order.

You're doing it right now, so English uses "I'm calling", not "I call".

Practice saying this

Next: Hi, it's Jo

Way 2 · they know you

Hi, it's Jo

For friends, family and colleagues who know you. Put your own name in, and add "from work" if they might not.

How formalVery casual

ToneCasual

Use itWith friends

Examples

Hi, it's Jo. Are you still OK for Saturday?

Hi, it's Jo, from the flat upstairs. I think I've got your parcel.

In a conversation

A: Hello?
B: Hi, it's Jo. Sorry, I'm running about ten minutes late.

Common mistake

Not: ~~Hello, I am~~ Jo.

Say: Hi, it's Jo.

On the phone, English says "it's Jo" or "this is Jo". "I am Jo" sounds like you're meeting face to face.

Practice saying this

Next: Is this a good time?

Way 3 · check first

Is this a good time?

Asks if they can talk now. Kind when you call someone's mobile, especially in the evening or at the weekend.

How formalCasual

ToneNeutral

Use itAnywhere

Examples

Hi, it's Sam from work. Is this a good time?

Sorry to call so late. Is this a good time, or shall I ring tomorrow?

Practice saying this

Next: I'm just calling to check

Way 4 · quick errand

I'm just calling to check

For a small, quick question. "Just" tells them it won't take long.

How formalMiddle

ToneNeutral

Use itAnywhere

Examples

Hi, I'm just calling to check my prescription's ready.

I'm just calling to check you got my email about Thursday.

Practice saying this

Next: Could you put me through to

Way 5 · ask for a person

Could you put me through to

When a receptionist answers and you need a different person or department.

How formalFormal

ToneNeutral

Use itAt work

Examples

Could you put me through to the operations manager, please?

Hi, could you put me through to accounts, please? It's about an invoice.

In a conversation

A: Good morning, Brightwell Print. How can I help?
B: Hi, could you put me through to the operations manager, please?

Common mistake

Not: ~~I want~~ to ~~talk to~~ the ~~manager immediately.~~

Say: Could you put me through to the manager, please?

"I want" and "immediately" sound demanding. The polite question is still direct and gets you there faster.

Practice saying this

Next: Good morning, my name's

Way 6 · first contact

Good morning, my name's

For calling an office that doesn't know you. Give your full name so they can find your file.

How formalVery formal

ToneFormal

Use itAt work

Examples

Good morning, my name's Jo Tran. I'm calling about my visa application.

Good morning, my name's Sam Ali, and I've got an interview with you next week.

Practice saying this

Test yourself: which would you say?

Pick the right one

Which would you say?

Read the moment, then choose the way that fits it best.

Now say it out loud

Pick one and practise it in a real conversation. Save the ones you want to remember.

Hi, I'm calling about Hi, it's Jo Is this a good time?I'm just calling to check

Which would you say?

Now say it out loud

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