Making a Phone Call to a Business - 1Making a Phone Call to a Business
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EN: Using 'with' to show the means or method of doing something
With a computer, you can work from home.
EN: Simple present tense for describing a sequence of steps or procedures
You press the button and the door opens.
EN: Using 'at' to indicate location or place where someone works
She works at the hospital.
EN: Using 'May I' as a polite way to ask for permission or to request something
May I help you?
EN: In English-speaking cultures, 'May I speak to...?' is a standard polite formula for requesting to talk with a specific person on the phone.
EN: Phrasal verb 'put on hold' means to keep someone waiting on the phone while you do something else
Can you hold on a moment? I'll put you on hold.
EN: Using 'available' to mean 'able to be reached' or 'present and able to help'
The manager is not available right now.
EN: Phrasal verb 'leave a message' means to record or write information for someone to receive later
I'll leave a message on your voicemail.
EN: Phrasal verb 'call back' means to telephone someone in return, usually after they have called you first
I'll call you back tomorrow.
EN: Using 'so much' to intensify gratitude, making the thanks more sincere and warm
Thank you so much for your help!
EN: In English-speaking cultures, saying 'Thank you so much' and 'Goodbye' are standard polite closings for phone conversations.
EN: The phrase 'You're welcome' is a polite response to someone thanking you
Thank you for the gift. You're welcome!
EN: 'You're welcome' is the standard polite response to 'Thank you' in English-speaking cultures.
EN: The phrase 'Let's see' is used to show you are thinking or considering something
Let's see... what should I do?
EN: Using 'This is [name]' to identify yourself on the phone
This is John speaking.
EN: In English-speaking business culture, greeting with 'Good morning' and identifying yourself and your company is standard phone etiquette.
EN: Using 'May I speak to [person's name]?' as a polite request to talk with someone specific
May I speak to the manager?
EN: Using 'Can I put you on hold?' to politely ask permission to make someone wait on the phone
Can I put you on hold while I check the system?
EN: Using 'I'm so sorry' to express sincere apology
I'm so sorry for being late.
EN: Using 'or' to present two alternative options
You can pay by card or by cash.
EN: Using 'I need' to express a requirement or necessity
I need help with this project.
EN: Using 'May I have' as a polite way to request something
May I have your email address?
EN: Using 'so much' to intensify gratitude at the end of a conversation
Thank you so much for everything!
EN: 'You're welcome' is the standard polite response to thanks, and 'Have a great day' is a warm closing phrase in English-speaking business culture.
Key vocabulary words with IPA pronunciation, definitions, example sentences, and interactive quizzes.
Phrases with type tags, bilingual definitions, usage notes, and example sentences.
To keep someone waiting on the phone while you do something else
To telephone someone in return, usually after they have called you first
To record or write information for someone to receive later
A polite way to ask to talk with a specific person on the phone
A polite response to someone thanking you
A polite way to offer assistance
A sincere expression of apology
A sincere and warm expression of gratitude