Telephone English - Important Phrases
There are a number of phrases and idioms that are only used when telephoning. Let's first take a look at an example dialogue: Here are the most common:
Operator: Hello, Frank and Brothers, How can I help you?
Peter: This is Peter Jackson. Can I have extension 3421?
Operator: Certainly, hold on a minute, I'll put you through...
Frank: Bob Peterson's office, Frank speaking.
Peter: This is Peter Jackson calling, is Bob in?
Frank: I'm afraid he's out at the moment. Can I take a message?
Peter: Yes, Could you ask him to call me at . I need to talk to him about the Nuovo line, it's urgent.
Frank: Could you repeat the number please?
Peter: Yes, that's , and this is Peter Jackson.
Frank: Thank you Mr Jackson, I'll make sure Bob gets this asap.
Peter: Thanks, bye.
Frank: Bye.
As you can see, the language is rather informal and there are some important differences to everyday English. Look at the chart below for key language and phrases used in telephone English:Introducing yourselfThis is Ken.Ken speakingAsking who is on the telephone
Can I ask who is calling, please? Asking for SomeoneCan I have extension 321? (extensions are internal numbers at a company)Could I speak to...? (Can I - more informal / May I - more formal)Is Jack in? (informal idiom meaning: Is Jack in the office? Connecting SomeoneI'll put you through (put through - phrasal verb meaning 'connect')Can you hold the line? Can you hold on a moment? How to reply when someone is not availableI'm afraid ... is not available at the momentThe line is busy... (when the extension requested is being used)Mr Jackson isn't in... Mr Jackson is out at the moment... Taking a MessageCould (Can, May) I take a message?Could (Can, May) I tell him who is calling?Would you like to leave a message? [/table]
Article Source: http://esl.about.com/od/businessspeakingskills/a/t_vocab.htm
Monday, May 25, 2009
Telephone English - Important Phrases
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hi friend i am muthu Singapore -)
ReplyDeletei am not a graduate . when I was young never went the higher secondary .
but i have a good item , got many friends around de world , from them i learn something... i want improve my English .
I can read , can't write properly.
Now I am working at Singapore one the construction company. here multination people working at here, those people speaking at time with out grammar , I don’t to be like them .. Have to learn something . So you can help me improve my knowledge.
( dear friend do understand me , can you understand my English , what I trying to saying to you .)
you gott time mail me further muthutaisei@yahoo.com.sg
regards
muthu
Hi, Muthu
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, thanks for leaving comments here. In my mind, you're using and practicing English now. Don't worry. Keep learning English. And I'll suggest that probably you can apply a blog like me. Try to eat something new you like. That's my opinion. Speak to you soon.
Be well,
Maggie^^
thank for your early replay
ReplyDeleteaim also jointed to the about.com .
more useful website !
any way thanks for the link
( telephone conversation -about.com )
hava nice day dear friend -)