A1 noun Neutral #647 most common

phone

/foʊn/

A device used to talk to people who are far away or to send messages and use the internet. In a business context, it is a tool for professional communication with colleagues and clients.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I left my phone on the kitchen table this morning.

I forgot my mobile device on the table at home today.

2

Please refrain from using your mobile phone during the official ceremony.

Please do not use your cellular device during the formal event.

3

Is your phone dead again? Use my charger.

Is your battery empty? You can use my charging cable.

Word Family

Noun
phone
Verb
phone
Adjective
telephonic
Related
telephone
💡

Memory Tip

Think of the 'tone' in 'phone'. A phone makes a ringing tone when someone calls you.

Quick Quiz

Can you give me your ____? I want to call you later.

Correct!

The correct answer is: phone number

Examples

1

I left my phone on the kitchen table this morning.

everyday

I forgot my mobile device on the table at home today.

2

Please refrain from using your mobile phone during the official ceremony.

formal

Please do not use your cellular device during the formal event.

3

Is your phone dead again? Use my charger.

informal

Is your battery empty? You can use my charging cable.

4

The researchers analyzed the frequency of mobile phone interactions in modern society.

academic

The experts studied how often people use their devices in the community.

5

Our manager will conduct the interview via a phone call at 3 PM.

business

The boss will talk to the candidate using the telephone this afternoon.

Word Family

Noun
phone
Verb
phone
Adjective
telephonic
Related
telephone

Common Collocations

answer the phone to pick up the device when someone calls
phone number the series of digits used to call someone
mobile phone a portable telephone device
make a phone call to use the device to speak with someone
charge the phone to give the device more battery power

Common Phrases

on the phone

currently talking to someone using a phone

hang up the phone

to end a telephone conversation

pick up the phone

to answer an incoming call

Often Confused With

phone vs call

A 'phone' is the physical device, while a 'call' is the act of speaking to someone on that device.

📝

Usage Notes

The word 'phone' is the most common term used in both daily life and business for any type of telephone. It can be used as both a noun (the object) and a verb (the action of calling).

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often say 'make a phone' when they mean 'make a phone call'. You use the device to make the call.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the 'tone' in 'phone'. A phone makes a ringing tone when someone calls you.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Greek word 'phone', which means 'voice' or 'sound'.

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun: one phone, two phones. Regular verb: I phone, he phones, I phoned. Used with the preposition 'on': I am on the phone.
🌍

Cultural Context

In business culture, answering a phone professionally with your name or company name is standard practice.

Quick Quiz

Can you give me your ____? I want to call you later.

Correct!

The correct answer is: phone number

More Business words

manager

A1

A manager is a person who is in charge of a business, a department, or a team of people. Their job is to organize work, make decisions, and help others complete their tasks successfully.

conference

A1

A large formal meeting where people with the same interests or jobs talk about their work. It usually lasts for a few days and happens in a big building.

executive

A1

An executive is a person with a high-level job who makes important decisions in a company. They usually manage other people and help lead the business.

secretary

A1

A secretary is a person who works in an office and performs administrative tasks. Their job typically includes answering phones, typing documents, and organizing meetings for a manager or an organization.

salesperson

A1

A salesperson is a person whose job is to sell products or services to customers. They can work in a store, over the phone, or travel to meet clients to help them make a purchase.

consultant

A1

A consultant is a professional person who gives expert advice to people or companies. They are usually hired for a short time to help solve specific problems or improve how a business works.

engineer

A1

An engineer is a person whose job is to design, build, or repair machines, engines, or structures such as roads and bridges. They use science and mathematics to solve technical problems and create new things.

developer

A1

A developer is a person or company that creates and builds something new, such as computer software, apps, or buildings. In the business world, it most commonly refers to someone who writes code to create technology products.

freelancer

A1

A freelancer is a person who works for themselves rather than for a single company. They provide services to different clients and are usually paid for each specific project or task they complete.

CV

A1

A CV, short for curriculum vitae, is a written document that lists your education, work experience, and skills. It is used by people to apply for jobs and by employers to select candidates for interviews.

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