Telephone conversation basic example

BUSINESS ENGLISH - TELEPHONE
Useful telephone vocabulary and phrases in English

Giving negative information

• I'm afraid the line's engaged. Could you call back later?


• I'm afraid he's in a meeting at the moment


• I'm sorry. He's out of the office today / He isn't in at the moment.


• I'm afraid we don't have a Mr/Mrs/Miss ... here


• I'm sorry. There's nobody here by that name.


• Sorry. I think you've dialed the wrong number.


• Sorry. I'm afraid you've got the wrong number.

Telephone problems

• The line is very bad. Could you speak up please?


• Could you repeat that please?


• I'm afraid I can't hear you.


• Sorry. I didn't catch that. Could you say that again please?

Leaving/taking a message

• Can I leave/take a message?


• Would you like to leave a message?


• Could you give him/her a message?


• Could you ask him/her to call me back?


• Would you like him/her to call you back?


• Could you tell him/her that I called?


• Could you give me your name please?


• Could you spell that please?


• What's your number please?