Phone Vocabulary
What do you call the sound a phone makes when it’s ringing?
Ringtone
How do you start a phone call when you don’t know the person’s name?
“Hello, may I speak to…?” or "Hello, who am I speaking to?"
What is a polite way to answer a phone call in a professional setting?
“Hello, [your name] speaking, how can I help you?”
What is a smartphone?
A mobile phone that has internet access and apps.
What phrase do you use to check if someone is available on the phone?
“Is [name] available?”
What’s the word for a message left when you can’t answer the phone?
Voicemail
What phrase do you use when you need to ask someone to wait on the phone?
“Please hold” or “Can you hold for a moment?”
Should you put your phone on silent during a meeting?
Yes, it’s polite to put it on silent or vibrate.
What does "Wi-Fi" stand for?
Wireless Fidelity
What phrase do you use to explain you’re calling someone back later?
“I’ll call you back”
What’s the term for a phone that doesn’t have a cord?
Wireless or Cordless phone
What do you say when the line isn’t clear and you can’t hear well?
“I’m sorry, I can’t hear you. Could you repeat that?
Is it appropriate to check your phone during a conversation with someone in person?
No, it’s considered rude.
What’s the difference between a landline and a mobile phone?
A landline is a fixed phone, while a mobile phone is portable.
What phrase is used when the phone call suddenly stops?
“We got disconnected”
What do you use to keep your phone’s battery working?
Charger
What do you say to end a formal phone call?
“Thank you for your time. Goodbye!”
What should you do if you answer a phone call in a quiet place like a library?
Move to a more private or appropriate place to talk.
What does 5G refer to?
The fifth generation of mobile networks, faster than 4G.
How do you say you missed a call?
“I missed your call”
What do you call the small device that connects you to the internet on your phone?
SIM card
What is the term used when you send a short message on the phone?
Texting or SMS
What should you say when you accidentally interrupt someone on the phone?
“I’m sorry for interrupting. Please go ahead.”
What is the purpose of "airplane mode" on your phone?
To disable wireless functions like calls, texts, and internet.
What’s a polite way to ask someone for their phone number?
“Could you give me your phone number, please?”