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Basic Conversations

On the Phone

Practice answering, starting, and ending phone calls naturally and professionally.

Dialogue Sample

A: Hello?
B: Hi, is this Sarah? It's Mark, from the office.
A: Oh hi Mark! Yes, speaking. Hope I'm not catching you at a bad time?
B: Not at all! I was just calling to check if you received the email I sent this morning.
A: Yes, I did! I was just about to reply. Give me until this afternoon.
B: No rush at all, thanks! I'll let you go then. Talk soon.
A: Take care, bye!

Natural Phrases to Know

Answering a call

Hello? Yes, speaking! [Name] here. You've reached [name]. Good morning / afternoon, [name] speaking.

Starting a call

Hi, is this [name]? I'm calling about... Hope I'm not catching you at a bad time. Do you have a quick minute? Just a quick call to check on...

When you can't hear clearly

Sorry, I didn't quite catch that. Could you speak up a bit? The line's a bit unclear. I think we got cut off — you were saying? Could you repeat that, please?

Ending a call

I'll let you go. Talk soon! I'll call you back later. Thanks for calling! Take care, bye!

Your Turn — Fill in the Blanks

You are Speaker B. Read A's lines and type what you would say.

A: Hello?
B:
A: Oh hi! Yes, now's a good time. What's up?
B:
A: Got it! I'll take care of that today. Anything else?
B:
A: Sounds good. Take care!
B: