Page 255 - Basic English Usage

257 341

341 telephoning

We usually answer a private phone like this:
Hello. Abingdon three seven eight Gouble two. ( = 37822)
Some people give their names.
Hello. Albert Packard.

We ask for a person like this:
‘Could | speak fo Jane Horrabin?’
We can identify ourselves with the word speaking.
‘Could | speak to Jane Horrabin?’ ‘Speaking. ( = That's me.)

Note the difference between this (the speaker) and that (the hearer).
This is Corinne. is that Susie?
(Americans use this for both speaker and hearer.)

We ask for a number like this:
Could | have Bristol three seven eight seven eight?
Could | have extension two oh four six? (= 2046}

The telephonist may say:
One moment, please.
Hold on a moment, please.
Trying to connect you. (The number's) ringing for you.
Putting you through now.
i'm afraid this number is engaged/busy.
I'm afraid this number is not answering/there’s no reply from this
extension.
Will you hold? (= Will you wait? )
A possible answer to the last question:
No, fff ring again later. OR/'Il ring back later.

7 If somebody ts not there:
‘'m afraid she's not in at the moment. Can / take a message?’
‘Yes. Could you ask her to ring me back this evening?’

8 Other expressions:
i'm afraid you've got the wrong number.
I’m sorry. I've got the wrong number.
Could you speak louder? It's a bad line.
Could | possibly use your phone?
What's the code for London?
How do | call the operator?