Making phone calls in English : complete course

ByVocaVerb
Making phone calls in English [A2] — VocaVerb

What Does ‘Phoning in English’ Mean?

Phoning in English means making or receiving a phone call using the English language. It is one of the most common real-life situations where people need to communicate clearly and confidently. Whether you are calling a hotel, a doctor, or a friend, knowing the right words makes everything easier.

Simple Examples to Get Started

  • ‘Hello, can I speak to Maria, please?’
  • ‘I would like to make a reservation.’
  • ‘Could you repeat that, please?’
  • ‘I am calling about my order.’

These short sentences are used every day in real phone conversations. They are simple, polite, and very effective.

The Key Elements of Phoning in English

A phone call in English usually follows a simple structure. Let us look at the main parts.

1. Starting the Call

The beginning of a phone call is very important. You need to introduce yourself and explain why you are calling.

  • ‘Hello, this is John speaking.’
  • ‘Hi, my name is Sophie. I am calling from Paris.’
  • ‘Good morning. I would like to speak to the manager, please.’

Notice that we say ‘This is…’ and not ‘I am…’ when introducing yourself on the phone. This is a common mistake for beginners.

2. Asking for Someone or Something

During a call, you often need to ask for a person or for specific information.

  • ‘Can I speak to Mr. Brown, please?’
  • ‘Is Sarah available?’
  • ‘I am calling to get information about your opening hours.’

Use ‘Can I…’ or ‘Could I…’ to be polite. ‘Could’ is slightly more formal than ‘Can’.

3. Ending the Call

Finishing a phone call politely is just as important as starting it well.

  • ‘Thank you for your help. Goodbye!’
  • ‘I will call back later. Have a good day!’
  • ‘Thanks a lot. Speak to you soon!’

Always thank the other person before you hang up. It shows good manners and leaves a positive impression.

Why Phoning in English Is Important

Many people feel nervous about making phone calls in a foreign language. This is completely normal! But phone calls are part of everyday life. You may need to call a hotel, a school, a company, or even emergency services.

Learning to phone in English helps you:

  • Travel more independently in English-speaking countries.
  • Handle professional situations with confidence.
  • Communicate clearly even when you cannot see the other person’s face.
  • Understand fast or unclear speech and ask for repetition politely.

Phone calls are different from face-to-face conversations. You cannot use body language or facial expressions. This is why knowing the right phrases is so helpful.

Comparison with Other Languages

Let us compare how people start a phone call in three different languages. You will see some interesting differences!

Situation French Spanish English
Introducing yourself ‘Ici Sophie.’ ‘Soy Sofia.’ ‘This is Sophie.’
Asking for someone ‘Puis-je parler a Marie ?’ ‘Puedo hablar con Maria ?’ ‘Can I speak to Maria?’
Saying you will call back ‘Je rappellerai.’ ‘Volvere a llamar.’ ‘I will call back.’
Ending the call ‘Au revoir !’ ‘Adios !’ ‘Goodbye!’ or ‘Speak soon!’

One key difference: in English, we say ‘This is…’ to introduce ourselves, not ‘I am…’. In French and Spanish, you use the equivalent of ‘I am’. This small difference surprises many learners!

A Complete Example

Here is a short and realistic phone conversation between two people:

Receptionist: ‘Good afternoon, Green Hotel. How can I help you?’

Caller: ‘Hello, this is David Brown. I would like to book a room for two nights, please.’

Receptionist: ‘Of course! What dates would you like?’

Caller: ‘From the 10th to the 12th of June.’

Receptionist: ‘Perfect. Can I take your phone number, please?’

Caller: ‘Sure, it is 07 45 23 10 98.’

Receptionist: ‘Thank you, Mr. Brown. Your booking is confirmed. Have a great day!’

Caller: ‘Thank you so much. Goodbye!’

This conversation uses simple vocabulary and polite expressions. Try to practise it with a friend or out loud at home!

Key Points to Remember

  • Say ‘This is…’ to introduce yourself on the phone, not ‘I am…’.
  • Use ‘Can I…’ or ‘Could I…’ to make polite requests.
  • Always thank the other person at the end of the call.
  • If you do not understand, say: ‘Could you repeat that, please?’ or ‘Could you speak more slowly?’
  • Phone calls in English follow a clear structure: start, middle, and end.

Phoning in English may feel difficult at first, but with practice, it becomes much easier. Start with simple situations and build your confidence step by step!

Sources

  • Council of Europe. (2001). Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Cambridge University Press.
  • Swan, M. (2005). Practical English Usage (3rd ed.). Oxford University Press.
  • McCarthy, M., and O’Dell, F. (2008). English Vocabulary in Use: Pre-Intermediate and Intermediate. Cambridge University Press.

To practise what you learned in this lesson:

Practice exercises · Crossword puzzle

Similar Posts