Phone Call
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EN: When introducing yourself on the phone or in a professional setting, use 'This is [Name]' instead of 'I am [Name]'.
Hello, this is Mary from the marketing department.
EN: In English-speaking business culture, it is polite and efficient to state your name and your department or company immediately when starting a call.
EN: When introducing yourself on the phone or in a professional context, use 'This is [Name]' instead of 'I am [Name]'.
Hi, this is Mary from the marketing department.
EN: In English-speaking business culture, it is polite to briefly ask 'How are you?' even if you are calling for a specific purpose. It builds rapport before getting to the main point.
EN: Use 'I am doing well' to answer the question 'How are you?'. It is a polite way to say you are happy or healthy.
She is doing well in her new job.
EN: In English-speaking cultures, 'How are you?' is often a greeting rather than a deep question. 'I am doing well' is a standard, positive response that keeps the conversation professional and friendly.
EN: Use 'called about' followed by a noun to explain the reason for your phone call.
I called about the job opening.
EN: In English-speaking business culture, it is common to briefly acknowledge a 'How are you?' before moving directly to the purpose of the call to respect the other person's time.
EN: Use 'What do you + verb' to ask for information or details about someone's needs or actions.
What do you want to eat?
EN: In a professional context, 'Sure' is a common, friendly way to agree to a request before asking for more details.
EN: Use 'want to + verb' to express a desire or intention to do something.
I want to drink some water.
EN: In business contexts, 'talk to' is common, but 'speak with' is often considered slightly more professional and collaborative.
EN: The modal verb 'can' is used to show ability or possibility. It is followed by the base form of the verb without 'to'.
I can help you with your homework.
EN: In a professional setting, 'transfer' is the standard term for connecting a phone call to another person. Using 'can' makes the offer sound helpful and polite.
EN: Use 'would be' to talk about a situation that hasn't happened yet but you are imagining. It is a polite way to react to a suggestion.
That would be nice.
EN: In English-speaking business culture, it is common and polite to use the person's first name after saying 'Thank you' to build a friendly relationship.
EN: Use 'Please' followed by a verb to make a polite request or command.
Please sit down.
EN: In business phone calls, 'hold' is the standard term for waiting on the line. Adding 'for a moment' makes the request sound less demanding and more professional.
EN: Use 'will' followed by a basic verb to talk about things you decide to do at the moment of speaking.
I will call you later.
EN: In business contexts, 'Sure' is a friendly and professional way to agree to a request, often used instead of the more formal 'Yes'.
EN: Use 'at one's desk' to describe someone being in their workspace and ready to work.
Is Mr. Lee at his desk right now?
EN: In professional settings, saying someone is 'not at their desk' is a polite way to say they are unavailable without giving too much personal detail about where they are (e.g., in the bathroom or on break).
EN: Use 'should' to ask for advice or suggestions when you are not sure what to do.
What should I wear to the party?
EN: 'That is too bad' is a common way to show empathy in English. It doesn't always mean something is 'evil' or 'terrible'; it often just means 'I'm sorry to hear that' or 'That's a pity.'
EN: Use 'can' + 'verb' to show that something is possible or allowed.
You can call me later.
EN: In Western business culture, leaving a voicemail is a standard way to communicate when someone is unavailable, though it is becoming less common than email or instant messaging.
EN: Use 'How do I + verb' to ask for instructions or the method to do something.
How do I open this box?
EN: In Western business culture, leaving a clear voicemail with your name, number, and purpose is a standard professional skill when someone is unavailable.
EN: Use 'will' to talk about a decision you just made or an action you are about to do immediately.
I will open the door for you.
EN: In Western business culture, leaving a detailed voicemail is common when someone is unavailable. It is expected that you state your name, number, and the reason for your call clearly.
EN: Use 'will' to talk about a decision you just made or a future action you plan to do.
I will call you later.
EN: In professional settings, 'leave a name and number' is a standard way to ensure the person can return your call. It shows you are proactive.
EN: Use 'Ask for' followed by a noun to request something from someone.
I will ask for a menu.
EN: In business contexts, 'asking for a callback' is a polite way to ensure the other person contacts you when they are free, rather than you having to call them repeatedly.
EN: Use 'ask + person + to + action' to tell someone what you want them to do.
I will ask him to help me.
EN: In business contexts, 'call back' is a standard professional way to request a return phone call. Specifying a time like 'tomorrow' helps manage expectations.
EN: Use 'better than' to compare two things when one is of higher quality or more suitable than the other.
Coffee is better than tea.
EN: In business contexts, suggesting a specific time when someone is 'free' is a polite way to help the caller plan their next step.
EN: Use 'Thanks for + noun' to express gratitude for a specific action or thing someone provided.
Thanks for the coffee.
EN: In English-speaking business culture, it is common and polite to use the person's first name (like 'Tom') even when ending a conversation. It builds a friendly rapport.
EN: The phrase 'No problem' is a common way to respond to 'Thank you'. It shows that the help provided was easy to give and you were happy to do it.
No problem, I can help you with your homework.
EN: In Western business culture, ending a call with a friendly wish like 'Good luck' is common when the other person is about to start a task or project.
Key vocabulary words with IPA pronunciation, definitions, example sentences, and interactive quizzes.
Phrases with type tags, bilingual definitions, usage notes, and example sentences.
to wait for a short period of time, especially on the telephone
to be present in one's working area
to return a telephone call
to give information to someone so they can read or hear it later
To connect a telephone caller to another extension or person.
To wait on a telephone line without hanging up.
A digital storage space where voice messages are recorded and kept.
A return telephone call made to someone who has previously called.