Telephone - Wrong Number

Introduction

If you dial the wrong number it can be confusing and embarrassing. But how do you find out that you've made a mistake? And how can you check to be sure?

Think

Imagine you've dialled the wrong number. What might the person who answers your call say? What would you say in reply?

Useful Phrases

• You must have the wrong number Is that not 556 8790?
• No, it’s 555 8790
• Sorry about that
• I must have dialled the wrong number  
• I’m sorry, you’ve got the wrong number 
• I’ll try and put you through  
• His direct number is …
• Sorry to have troubled you  

  

Listen

Now listen to two more telephone conversations. Both conversations contain phrases you might hear if you dial a wrong number. As you listen, see if you can hear some of the phrases above.

Download audio

Check understanding

Check your understanding by reading the scripts below:

Male:	Hello, this is the press office.
Michelle:	Rachel Allsop please.
Male:	I’m sorry, you must have the wrong number. There’s no-one of that name here.
Michelle:	Oh. Can I check the number I’ve got…. is that not  5568790?
Male:	No, it’s 5558790.
Michelle:	Oh sorry about that.  I must have dialled the wrong number.
Male:	No problem!  Bye!
Male:	Hello, press office, can I help you?
Ruth:	Hello. Paul Richards, please.
Male:	I’m sorry, you’ve got the wrong number, but he does work here.  I’ll try and put you through.  In future his direct number is 5558770.
Ruth:	Did I not dial that?
Male:	No you rang 5558790.
Ruth:	Oh, sorry to have troubled you.
Male:	No problem.  Hang on a moment and I’ll put you through to Paul’s extension.
Ruth:	Thanks.

Download scripts and phrases

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/business/talkingbusiness/unit1telephone/3wrongnumber.shtml

Quiz

Instructions: Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.

1. You ______ have the wrong number.

A should
B would
C must
D can 

2. His _______ number is 998922.

A straight
B direct
C certain
D sure 

3. I'm ________ to have troubled you.

A upset
B apologise
C sorry
D sad 

4. I'm sorry, you've _______ the wrong number.

A got
B had
C have
D put 

Answers

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/business/talkingbusiness/unit1telephone/3wrongnumber_quiz_alt.html


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