Common ways to ask for someone on the phone

Common ways to ask for someone on the phone include polite and direct phrases such as:

• “Can I speak to [Name], please?”
• “Could you put me through to [Name], please?”
• “Is [Name] there, please?”
• “Is that [Name]?”
• “May I speak with [Name]?”

When calling and someone answers, these are standard ways to ask to talk to the person you want to reach. The person answering may reply with “One minute, please,” “Hold on, please,” or “Just a minute” to connect the call. If the person is not available, common replies include: “I’m afraid [Name] isn’t here at the moment,” or “She/He’s away from the desk” or “I’m sorry, but [Name] isn’t in the office today. Can I take a message?” ^{1, 5, 6}

Less formal or casual ways could include:

• “Hey, am I bothering you right now?”
• “Is this a good time to talk?”

Also, a polite way to start a conversation before asking for someone is:

• “Excuse me, may I ask if this is a convenient time for us to talk?”

These phrases vary by formality but are commonly used to ensure polite and clear communication while asking for someone on the phone. ²

References

• How to Ask For a Specific Person on the Phone in English

• What do you say when you want to ask someone on the …

• How to Ask for a Phone Call in an Email - Net M@nners

• Useful Phrases for a Phone Call

• Telephone Phrases

• Phrases and vocabulary for phone calls in English

• 45 Essential Phrases To Speak On The Phone in English