Vocabulary "Telephone"
| Word | Example sentence | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| answer verb | I phoned the shop but nobody answered so I guess they're closed. | to take the call and speak after a phone has rung |
| busy (AmE) or engaged (BrE) | If the line's busy and you can't get through, call again later. | already being used, of a telephone line or number |
| call verb | If you need a lift home, call me and I'll come and get you. | to try to contact someone by phone |
| charge or recharge verb | Don't forget to charge your phone before you leave home. | to connect a smartphone etc. to an electricity source to add power to its battery |
| conference call | I'm having a conference call with some old friends tonight. | a telephone call in which three or more people can hear and speak with one another |
| dial verb | Are you sure you dialled the right number? | to press numbers on a landline phone or touch numbers on a smartphone keypad to call someone |
| hang up verb | Someone called, but as soon as they heard my voice they hung up. | to end a telephone call |
| line or connection noun | The line was really bad so I called again to get a better connection. | a telephone connection used to make a voice call |
| missed call noun | I check my missed calls every night in case I've missed an important one. | a call that wasn't answered |
| pick up verb | The phone rang and everybody stared at it. Then Maria slowly picked it up. | to answer a landline phone by lifting the receiver |
| return a call or call sb back verb | He didn't return my call, so I knew something was wrong. | to telephone someone who tried to telephone you |
| save verb | Don't forget to save his number if he calls again. | to keep a phone number on a smartphone |
Telephone Vocabulary Quiz
1. If someone leaves you a message on voicemail, you have to _______ it.
2. I'm sorry, but I really have to take this
3. We don't speak on the phone much because _______ each other is cheaper.
4. If I really like a song, I make it my phone's
5. I'm busy right now. Can you _______ later?
6. To use the phone in your hotel room, you have to _______ "0" for the operator first.
7. Maria's not here just now. Would you like her to _______ your call?
8. A telephone call in which three or more people can hear and speak with one another is a
Telephone Phrases
Answering the phone (informal)
- Hello. Matt here. (caller unknown)
- Hi, Jody. How are you?
Answering the phone (formal)
- Hello? Serena speaking. (caller unknown)
- John Sayles speaking. Who's calling, please? (caller unknown)
- Hello Maria. Nice to hear from you.
- Hello Dr Jones. How can I help you?
Introducing yourself
- Hey George. It's Lisa calling. (informal)
- Hello, this is Julie Madison calling.
Asking to speak with someone
- Hi. Is Nina there? (informal)
- Can I talk to Josef? Tell him Marilyn's calling. (informal)
- May I speak to Mr. Green in the accounting department, please?
Connecting someone
- Just a sec. I'll get him. (informal)
- One moment please. I'll see if he's available.
- Hold the line please. I'll put you through in a moment.
Making a request
- Could you please repeat that?
- Would you mind spelling that for me?
- Could you speak up a little, please?
- Can you speak a little slower, please. My English isn't very good, I'm afraid.
Taking a message
- Can I take a message?
- Would you like to leave a message?
- I'm sorry, but Lisa's not here at the moment. Can I take a message?
- She's busy right now. Would you like her to return your call?
- He's in a meeting at the moment. Can he call you back when he's free?
Phone Practice: Ordering a Pizza
Read the phone conversation below. Angie Smith is calling Pepi's Pizza for a pizza delivery at home. Fill in the missing words.