Telephone Phrasal Verbs in English

Telephone Phrasal Verbs in English

Telephone Phrasal Verbs in English

Hello, dear English learners! Welcome to another practical and fun vocabulary lesson. Today, we’re looking at telephone phrasal verbs in English — common expressions you’ll hear and use in everyday phone conversations.

These verbs are especially useful for your B2 First (FCE) or C1 Advanced (CAE) exam, as they often appear in listening tasks, role plays, or informal writing. Let’s go through them one by one with clear meanings and examples.

Call back

Meaning: to return someone’s phone call.

This is a separable phrasal verb — we usually say call someone back.

• Mr Wilson is in a meeting right now, but if you leave a message, he’ll call you back.
• Can I call you back later? I’m driving at the moment.

Cut off

Meaning: to lose connection during a phone call.

• The signal was weak, and we got cut off halfway through the conversation.
• I forgot to top up my phone credit, so my call was cut off.

Get back (to someone)

Meaning: to contact someone again, usually to give information or a reply.

• I’m busy right now, but I’ll get back to you later this afternoon.
• Let me check the details first and then I’ll get back to you.

Get through

Meaning: to successfully make contact with someone by phone.

• I tried calling the office all morning, but I couldn’t get through.
• It took me ages to get through to customer service — the line was constantly busy.

Hang up

Meaning: to end a phone call.

• Don’t hang up yet! I still have something important to tell you.
• He was so angry that he hung up on me.

Hold on

Meaning: to wait for a short time during a phone call.

• Hold on a second, and I’ll transfer you to the manager.
• Could you hold on while I check the price of your flight?

Pass on

Meaning: to give someone a message from another person.

• Peter isn’t at home right now, but I’ll pass on your message when he gets back.
• Please pass my message on to the director.

Phone in

Meaning: to call your workplace or a show (TV/radio).

• Sandra phoned in sick this morning, so we’ll have to manage without her.
• Listeners are invited to phone in and share their opinions live on air.

Pick up

Meaning: to answer the phone.

• I called Pauline three times, but she didn’t pick up.
• When I picked up the phone, the call had already ended.

Put through

Meaning: to connect a caller to another person.

• Hold on, please. I’ll put you through to Mary.
• The operator put the angry customer through to the manager.

Speak up

Meaning: to speak louder so the listener can hear you better.

• Sorry, I can’t hear you very well. Could you speak up, please?
• The connection is bad — you’ll have to speak up a bit.

Telephone phrasal verbs are part of everyday English communication. Knowing how to use them naturally will help you sound more fluent — whether you’re taking a Cambridge exam or simply making calls in English.

Try to use these expressions next time you’re on the phone — and don’t forget to practise them with your friends or classmates!

Do the quiz to perfect your knowledge:

If you liked this lesson, take a look at our other lessons about phrasal verbs:

Phrasal Verbs Related to WORK

9 Phrasal Verbs that Express Emotions

Phrasal Verbs with AWAY

Phrasal Verbs with RUN

Three-part Phrasal Verbs in English

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