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S T U D Y PA G E S

Telephoning
These are some of the words that you will need if you phone (or telephone) someone:

Parts of a phone number

If you phone a number such as 00 44 (0)181 8379292 there are three parts to the number. 00 44 is the country code (0)181 is the area code 8379292 is the phone number

The numbers in a phone number are usually pronounced separately: 90233 is pronounced nine oh two double three. If you dont know the number you can look it up in the phone book/telephone directory, or dial directory enquiries (UK) /directory assistance (US) and ask the operator. The operator works for the phone company, giving you information and connecting your call if necessary . Usually all phone calls can be made without talking to the operator. If you phone a large company or organization you may speak to someone in a call centre. This is a large ofce where hundreds of people work answering phone calls. A reverse charge call (UK) /collect call (US) is paid for by the person who receives it, not by the person who makes the call. Some people have an answerphone (MAINLY UK)/answering machine (MAINLY US) which plays a recorded message to you if nobody is able to answer when you phone. In a company or ofce many people have an electronic system called voicemail. Notice the following uses of through: Can I call Japan direct from here, or do I have to go through the operator? The lines were really busy and I couldnt get through to the airport. Can you put me through to Miss Shaw on extension 342, please?

Common phrases meaning to phone someone

She said shed phone/telephone/call/ring (you) tomorrow. Ill give you a ring/call/phone call. I need to make a call/phone call (to Brazil).

Common phrases used when phoning someone

Could/Can I speak to Mr Carter , please? Is that Karen? Hi, this is Barbara/Barbara here.

Phone problems
Ive been trying to get Sonia all morning but her line is always engaged ( UK)/busy (US). I think youve got a wrong number this is 654731. The lines busy do you want to hold the line/hold (on)? Its a bad/terrible line, I can hardly hear you. Can you speak a bit louder? Hello, can you connect me to Katie Moore again? We were cut off in the middle of our call. I tried to use the public phone but its out of order.