When you need this

When you answer a phone that isn't only yours, like a home phone, a shared apartment line, or a family member's cell while they're in the shower, the call probably isn't for you. You need to find out who's calling, get the right person or take a message, and deal politely with calls you don't want.

The polite order is: greet, ask who they'd like, then ask who's calling. "May I ask who's calling?" sounds careful and friendly. Direct "Who are you?" sounds suspicious. For sales calls, a short, firm line works better than a long explanation.

Phrases

asking which person the caller wants

a polite way to get the caller's name

asking the caller to wait while you find someone

the person isn't home

offering to pass on information

promising to pass on the call

checking the person can call back

the caller dialed the wrong phone

a phone connected by a wire, not a cell phone

a device that records messages on a home phone

a firm way to end a sales call

answer the phone

Say it out loud

Tap a sentence to hear it. Say it after the voice.

Practice · 3 min

Say the line that fits. Situation on the left, one natural line on the right.

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Say it today

Use it once in a real conversation before tomorrow. Out loud counts, even to yourself.