“Get the phone!” ESL Lesson

“Get the phone!” is a common English phrase used to instruct someone to answer or pick up a ringing telephone. It implies urgency or importance, suggesting that the call should not be missed. The expression can be used in various contexts, whether at home, in an office, or in any setting where a telephone is present and rings. Understanding this phrase is crucial for non-native speakers as it combines both a command and a specific action related to everyday technology.

Get the phone!

The phone rings and Darren answers it. Listen as Darren talks to the lady on the phone and his wife who is in the bathtub.

Darren: Carol… telephone…

Carol: Who is it?

Darren: I don’t know. Wait a sec… (to the person on the phone) May I ask who’s calling, please? (pause) Carol… it’s Susan.

Carol: Oh, I’m in the bathtub. Can you ask her if it’s important?

Darren: Sorry Susan, Carol can’t come to the phone right now. Is there something I can help you with? (pause) Oh, I see. (to Carol) Carol… she wants to know if the party is tonight or tomorrow night.

Carol: Tell her it’s tomorrow night at 8:00 at Jill’s house. Tell her to bring a dessert if she wants.

Darren: (to Susan) She said it’s tomorrow night at 8:00 at Jill’s house. She said you could bring a dessert if you want. (pause) Sure, no problem. Have a good evening. ‘Bye.

Things to know…

Get the phone = answer the phone.

Wait a sec = wait a second. Another way to tell someone to wait.

(Someone) can’t come to the phone right now. This is a polite way to tell someone the person they would like to talk is busy. It would be a little rude or embarrassing to say someone is in the bathroom (unless it’s a very close friend.)

Tell her to bring a dessert. Often when there is a party, people bring food to share.

Practice Quiz on “Get the phone!”

To test your understanding of the phrase “Get the phone!” and its usage, here are five practice questions:

Answers are provided below.

1. Who answers the telephone?

a. Darren
b. Carol
c. Susan

2. Where is Carol?

a. at work
b. in the kitchen
c. in the bathroom

3. What is a polite way to say someone can’t talk?

a. Carol is in the bathtub.
b. Carol doesn’t want to talk to you.
c. Carol can’t come to the phone right now.

4. When is the party?

a. tonight
b. tomorrow night
c. 7:00

5. At the end of the conversation, Darren says “Sure, no problem.*” What do you think Susan said before that?

a. Thanks for your help.
b. I will bring a dessert.
c. Where is Carol right now?

Frequently Asked Questions – Get the phone!

What does “Get the phone!” mean?

“Get the phone!” is an imperative sentence used to tell someone to answer a telephone that is ringing. It’s a directive asking for immediate action.

Is “Get the phone!” a polite request?

While direct, it’s generally considered neutral in politeness; its perceived tone can depend on the context and delivery. For more polite alternatives, one might say, “Could you answer the phone, please?”

Can “Get the phone!” be used in formal settings?

Yes, it can be used in formal settings, but it might be softened to sound more polite, especially in front of clients or senior personnel, by adding “please” at the end.

Are there any synonyms for “Get the phone!”?

Yes, other ways to express this include “Please answer the phone,” “Could you pick up the phone?” or simply “Phone!”

What should I do if someone says “Get the phone!” to me?

You should promptly go to where the phone is ringing and answer it. The phrase typically indicates that the caller should not be kept waiting.

Answer Key:

* No problem = you are welcome.