phone call A conversation between people using telephones. call To contact someone by telephone. /kɔːl/ phone A device used for voice communication over distance. /foʊn/ phone number A sequence of digits used to reach a telephone. contact A person whose details are saved for communication. /ˈkɑːntækt/ caller A person who makes a telephone call. /ˈkɔːlər/ answer To accept a call and begin speaking. /ˈænsər/ ring To produce the sound of an incoming call. /rɪŋ/ hang up To end a telephone conversation. call back To telephone someone after an earlier call. missed call A call that was not answered. voicemail A system that stores recorded telephone messages. /ˈvɔɪsmeɪl/ message Information left for someone who cannot answer. /ˈmesɪdʒ/ speak To communicate using your voice. /spiːk/ listen To pay attention to what someone says. /ˈlɪsən/ busy Unable to talk because of another activity. /ˈbɪzi/ available Free and able to speak at a particular time. /əˈveɪləbəl/ hold To wait while a telephone connection stays open. /hoʊld/ line A telephone connection used during a call. /laɪn/ wrong number A number that reaches someone other than the intended person. This is A phrase used to identify yourself on a call. May I speak to A polite request to talk to a particular person. Who is calling A question asking the caller to identify themselves. one moment, please A polite request asking someone to wait briefly. Can you hear me A question checking whether the sound connection works. Could you repeat that A polite request to say something again. speak more slowly To reduce speaking speed for easier understanding. leave a message To give information for an unavailable person. take a message To record information for someone who is absent. call you later To contact someone again at a later time. goodbye A word used when ending a conversation. /ˌɡʊdˈbaɪ/ thanks for calling A polite phrase used before ending a call. 