ESL Telephoning: Wrong Number
“Hello, is Brian there?” Someone got the wrong number.
I reply: “I’m sorry. There is no Brian here. You have the wrong number.”
But the caller is being persistent: “Is this 765-4321?”
No, that’s not my number. “No, you must have misdialed.”
“I’m sorry,” says the caller.
“No problem. Have a good day.”
Less than five minutes later the phone rings again.
“This is Natasha Cooper.”
This time someone is trying to reach a bookstore, so I have to explain: “I am sorry. This is a private residence. You’ve got the wrong number.”
A few minutes later I get another call: “Who is this?”
I think it’s my turn to ask a question. “Excuse me, who are you trying to reach?”
The caller gives a long name.
No, this is definitely the wrong number. “Sorry, I’m afraid you got the wrong number.”
Maybe I should check the number. “What number are you dialing?”
The caller reads my number.
“That’s my number all right, but there’s no one here by that name.”
“I must have the wrong number,” says the caller apologetically. “Thank you.”
After a brief silence the phone starts ringing. Not again!
“Hello!”
“May I talk to Natasha Cooper?”
Thank heavens! It’s really for me. “This is she.”
© 2010 Natasha Cooper
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Natasha Cooper, Power English Coach, teaches international professionals real-life English skills and successful communication strategies. Get FREE Power English Tips at http://www.englishskills.com
12 Responses to “ESL Telephoning: Wrong Number”
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Hi natasha its really knowledgeable things and thanx for
send me these conversations
its really very useful ..thank you so much and i am waiting for your next email..
really good keep on sending .may god bless you with great calibre
happy new year dear natasha
Dear Natasha
This is really really good. Good for everyone. Thank you very much for your efforts
That’s perfect! Exactly the same way I usually teach my students. It’s good to have an English native speaker to lead you through the right way to speak everyday and useful phrases.
Thanks a lot.
Dear Natasha
I am a Receptionist, so it is very helpful for me.
Thanks so much for your Article
Awaiting more and more
Very good and very helpful topic.
Thank you.
Be happy healthy and wealthy.
Hi
Natasha
It was very knowledge topic and will help me in future.
Thanks for sending to me. Want more topics
Dear Natasha
I have a doubt,
“Excuse me, who are you trying to reach?”
In this setence “who are you trying to reach or whom are you trying to reach”
which is correct madam? Kindly solve this problem.
Thanks in advance.
Hi Sumi,
Thank you for the excellent question. Indeed, in classical grammar, it should be “Whom are you trying to reach?” But in colloquial English we say “Who are you trying to reach?” WHO is often used instead of WHOM. For example, Who do you recommend I call? OR: Who are you looking for?
I hope this helps.
thanksssss its great