Hello! Who am I speaking to? Last month, we covered here on the blog some words related to using your phone in English. Today, we are moving one step further to take a look at some phrasal verbs that refer to phone calls. Although it is undeniable that text messaging has become one of the most popular communication tool, sometimes it feels like only a phone call is able to solve our problems, right? Check below for a list of some common and useful phone call phrasal verbs: 

to be cut off: to have the phone call interrupted

• The supplier was discussing the contract with the costumer when they were suddenly cut off |
• I apologize, my phone ran out of credit and we got cut off |

to hang on: to wait for a short period of time

• Could you hang on for a moment while I grab a pen?
• Please hang on, I will check if the doctor is available

to pick up: to answer a telephone call

• I have been calling the company all day long but nobody is picking up.
• Why isn’t Nick picking up my phone calls? Do you think he might be avoiding me?

to get through: to be able to contact

• I haven’t been able to get through to Jess. Maybe she gave me wrong number |
• The line was busy, so I couldn’t get through |

to break up: to have problems listening to the person on the other line

• Ever since I switched my provider, my phone calls keep breaking up |
• Can you repeat, please? The signal is weak and you are breaking up |

to hang up: to end a phone conversation

• Don’t hang up, yet, Miss! Don’t you want to hear our special offers for your plan? |
• I’m going to hang up because the meeting is about to start. Bye |

to hang up on someone: to end a phone conversation on purpose

• The telemarketing agent hung up on me right in the middle of my complaint |
• Kelly was so angry at the airline company for not helping her change her flight that she simply hung up on them! |

to speak up: to talk in a louder voice

• Can you speak up, please? I can’t hear a word you are saying! |
• It is so noisy in here! If you don’t speak up we won’t be able to understand each other |

to put through: to connect by telephone

• Good morning, could you put me through the manager? I need to speak to him |
• Sorry I cannot answer your question, but I’ll put you through the right department |

to get off: to end a conversation

• I just got off the phone with the real estate agent and she said that we can finally sign the lease |
• I’m afraid I’ll have to get off the phone now, there is so much I have to do.

to call back: to return a call

• Ms. Halpert isn’t here right now. Could she call you back once she gets out of the meeting?
• I’m going to have to call you back, I’m too busy at the moment |

Time to hang up!