Making a phone call in a language that is not your mother tongue can be quite nerve-racking! For this month's newsletter, we'll look some phrases that are commonly used in both formal and informal phone conversations.

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People generally answer the phone “Hello?” on their private line, with “[Last name] residence” on a family home phone number, or more formally by using the word “speaking.”

Hi, this is the Irish Press, Daniel speaking.

Caption 44, Business English - Starting on a new job - Part 2

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When you make a call, you will first need to introduce yourself. 

Hello, this is Daniel. -Hi Daniel, this is Julia from Phonez and More.

Caption 10, Business English - Difficulties with coworkers and contracts - Part 2

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Uh, hi, Jonathan. It's Julia Smith for the marketing department interview.

Caption 7, Business English - The job interview - Part 2

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You might then need to ask if the person you want to speak to is available. The informal version is “Is [name] there?”, but for formal calls it’s better to use the following:

May I please speak to Daniel in advertising sales?

Caption 9, Business English - Difficulties with coworkers and contracts - Part 2

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Sometimes you might want to state the purpose of your call right away, so that the person answering can re-direct your call to someone who can help you.

Hi, I'm calling about an apartment that I saw listed on Craig's List?

Caption 33, Jessica and Liz - how much and how many

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The formal way to conclude a phone conversation might involve thanking the person or setting up a next time to talk. 

Have a good day and I'll talk to you soon. 'Bye. -Goodbye.

Caption 56, Business English - Difficulties with coworkers and contracts - Part 2

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Of course, between friends, even if they are cartoon characters, much more informal goodbyes are possible: 

I'll talk to ya later, Mick. I gotta go.

Caption 32, A Mickey Mouse Cartoon - Goofy's Grandma

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Further Learning
Watch the business English videos linked above on Yabla English to hear the sentences in the full context of a formal conversation. This helpful webpage provides additional telephone conversations with both audio and a transcription available.

A preposition is a type of word that express spatial or temporal relations. Here is a list of known English prepositions. There is no set of rules for learning prepositions, and the prepositions from one language often do not translate directly into another. It's best to learn English prepositions by getting used to using them in context. Today, let's take a look at the preposition "at."

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The preposition "at" can be used to express the time of day: 

And at three o'clock the Queen comes on and she gives her speech.

And at three o'clock the Queen comes on and she gives her speech.

Caption 24, Christmas Traditions - In the UK

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Or to indicate a place: 

As you can see behind me, we are at Buckingham Palace.

As you can see behind me, we are at Buckingham Palace.

Caption 1, In London with Lauren - Buckingham Palace

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Or to indicate an activity or proficiency with something:

So I'm very good at working as part of a team.

So I'm very good at working as part of a team.

Caption 34, Business English - The Job Interview

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Or very commonly when mentioning an email address. The "at symbol" (@) in an email address is also called... at!

You can email us at...

You can email us at...

Caption 50, The Egoscue Clinic of Austin - Exercises for Lower Back Pain

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Further Learning
Search for examples of the preposition "at" on Yabla English to see them used in a real-world context. 

A personal pronoun is a word that substitutes for a noun representing people, animals or objects.

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The first person singular pronoun "I" usually refers to yourself (or the speaker). In the plural form it is "we."

I really am passionate about this.

Caption 24, Business English - The Job Interview

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Well, we are very excited to have you with us!

Caption 16, Business English - Starting on a New Job

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The second person pronoun "you" can be singular or plural and usually refers to the person or persons you are addressing.

What will you have for lunch?

Caption 23, Caralie and Annie - Get To Know Each Other

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The third person pronoun refers to someone other than the person you are speaking to, and is "he" (male) or "she" (female) or "it" (object) in singular, "they" in plural:

She is elegant and we wish her luck this weekend.

Caption 32, Taylor Swift - Prom Party

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They thought it was a hoax.

Caption 7, Soccer World Cup - Australia

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Further Learning
Read the personal pronoun article in English and in your native language to help you understand the basics. Write a simple sentence in your native language for each of the personal pronouns, then translate them to English. Search for some personal pronouns on Yabla English and see some different examples of how they are used in context.