Telephone Terms2

NOTE:

There are two very important terms for these people who are away from home and in trouble.

Collect call (US) or transferred charge call (UK) may be made via the operator and can be made only if the person, who receives it, agrees to pay for it.

The operator says: "There is a call from ...Will you accept the charges?" (i.e. pay for it).

 

NB! Of course, you have to make this call to your relative or a friend who can understand the operator and answer in a foreign language if necessary.

 

In Estonia some phone companies offer this service and you just have to dial some additional numbers before the phone number.

IDevice Question Icon EXERCISE

Find a suitable comment or response to these phrases used in phone conversations and click on it.

1. Could you spell that?
  
Yes, tomorrow of course.
Yes, T-A-R-T-U.
Yes, I'll get a pen.

2. I am sorry but the line is busy.
  
No problem. I'll hold.
Would you like to call me?
Oh yes, the weather has really been bad.

3. Could you repeat that again?
  
Again and again.
Yes, it is 568 774.
No, I don't have time for that.

4. The line is free now. I'll put you through.
  
Thank you.
What else?
Speaking.

5. Who is calling, please?
  
Yes, I will, of course.
You are welcome.
This is Jack Robes.

6. Is this 324667?
  
No, I am afraid he is broke.
I am afraid the line is broken.
Yes, it is the sales department.

EXERCISE
Tick the expressions which have a similar meaning.
to telephone sb
to phone sb
to call sb names
to ring sb
to get one's call
to call sb
to ring sb up
to take one's curtain call
to give sb a call
to give sb a ring
to make a call
to call it a day
to pay a call
to call sb back



iDevice icon EXERCISE
Put the telephone conversation in the correct order.

. Who is calling, please?

. Thank you.

. I’d like to speak to Mary Watson, please.

. You are through.*

. Oh, sorry! My name is Berta Schneider.

1. Tom’s Stationary. May I help you?

. Hold on a moment. This is extension 712. I’ll connect you to Ms Watson.

NOTE: Extension is an internal telephone number.

*meaning that the operator has put someone's telephone call through to someone.

  

iDevice icon EXERCISE

Listen to the telephone conversation and fill in the missing information.

 

 

Waiter : Luigi's. !

Paula: Good evening. My name is .

W: What can I do for you?

P: Tomorrow I'll meet some for dinner. Would you have a free table?

W: How many in the , madam?

P: I would need a .

W: Oh, that would be OK. May I have your name, please?

P: It's - - - - - - - - .

W: Fine. Thank you for calling and we'll see you tomorrow.

P: See you. Good bye.

W: Good bye.

  

« Previous | Next »