The same fifteen words as the cards above, written out in full — easy to scan, search or print.

this isA2idiom

the phrase you use to give your own name on the phone, instead of I am

Hello, this is Frank Abagnale.

is thatA2idiom

the phrase you use to check who the other person on the phone is

Is that Mr Miller?

may I speak toA2idiom

a polite way to ask to be connected to the person you are ringing

May I speak to Mr Miller, please?

who’s calling, please?B1idiom

the standard question that asks a caller to give their name

Who’s calling, please? I will let him know.

hold the lineB1idiom

to wait on the phone and not hang up

Hold the line, please.

I’ll put you throughB1idiom

I will connect you to the other person on the phone

Hold the line, please. I’ll put you through.

I’m afraid he’s not available at the momentB2idiom

a polite way to say the person you want cannot take the call now

I’m afraid he’s not available at the moment.

can I take a message?B1idiom

an offer to write down what you want to say to someone who is out

He is away from his desk. Can I take a message?

could you ask him to call me back?B1idiom

a polite request for somebody to return your call later

Could you ask him to call me back?

speakingB1idiom

the one-word reply that means you are the person the caller asked for

Is that Mr Hanratty? — Speaking.

you’ve got the wrong numberA2idiom

a polite way to tell a caller they have rung the wrong person

Sorry, I think you’ve got the wrong number.

I’d better let you goB2idiom

a gentle way to begin ending a phone call

It is getting late — I’d better let you go.

wilyC1adjective

clever and cunning, good at tricking people

Critics called Frank wily rather than cruel.

suaveC1adjective

smooth, charming and confident, especially a man

Reviewers called DiCaprio impossibly suave.

nattyC1adjective

smart and fashionable in the way you dress

Frank is natty in every uniform he steals.