In 15 Seconds
- Using a phone to talk to another person.
- Works in both professional and casual settings.
- Always use the verb 'make', never the verb 'do'.
Meaning
This phrase means using your phone to call someone and talk to them. It covers the whole process from dialing the number to starting the conversation.
Key Examples
3 of 6At the office
I need to make a phone call to the client before lunch.
أحتاج إلى إجراء مكالمة هاتفية مع العميل قبل الغداء.
With friends at dinner
Excuse me, I have to make a quick phone call.
معذرة، يجب أن أجري مكالمة هاتفية سريعة.
Reporting an emergency
He ran to the booth to make a phone call to the police.
ركض إلى الكشك لإجراء مكالمة هاتفية للشرطة.
Cultural Background
In the US, it is common to 'make a phone call' for business, but many people now find it polite to text first to ask 'Is now a good time to talk?' British people often use 'give someone a ring' as an informal alternative to 'make a phone call.' Making phone calls in public spaces like trains is considered very rude. People will often wait until they are in a private area. In Brazil, phone calls are often very social and can last a long time. It's common to make a phone call just to say hello, not just for business.
Quick Adjectives
You can add 'quick' or 'brief' to sound more natural: 'I need to make a quick phone call.'
Never 'Do'
Even if your native language uses 'do', always use 'make' for phone calls in English.
In 15 Seconds
- Using a phone to talk to another person.
- Works in both professional and casual settings.
- Always use the verb 'make', never the verb 'do'.
What It Means
Make a phone call is a very common way to say you are calling someone. It sounds natural and smooth. You use this when you need to speak to someone via a device. It is more than just dialing. It implies the act of communicating.
How To Use It
You use the verb make followed by the noun phrase a phone call. You can add adjectives to describe the call. For example, you can make a quick phone call. You can also say who you are calling. Use the word to for this. For example: "I need to make a phone call to my mom."
When To Use It
Use this in almost any situation. It works at the office when talking to your boss. It works at home with your family. Use it when you are about to leave a room. "Excuse me, I have to make a phone call." It is a polite way to ask for a moment of privacy.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for texting or messaging. If you are using WhatsApp or iMessage, you are not making a phone call. Also, if you are using video, people usually say make a video call. Avoid using the verb do. Never say "I need to do a phone call." It sounds very strange to native speakers.
Cultural Background
In the past, phones were attached to walls with cords. People used to say place a call or dial a number. Today, make a phone call is the standard version. Even though we use smartphones, the phrase stays the same. Interestingly, younger people often prefer texting. If you say you need to make a phone call, it often implies something important.
Common Variations
You will often hear people shorten this. They might just say make a call. In casual settings, people say give someone a call. For example, "I'll give you a call later." If you are in a rush, you might hop on a call. This usually refers to a scheduled business meeting.
Usage Notes
The phrase is universally understood and safe to use in any English-speaking country. Just remember that 'make' is the only verb that fits here.
Quick Adjectives
You can add 'quick' or 'brief' to sound more natural: 'I need to make a quick phone call.'
Never 'Do'
Even if your native language uses 'do', always use 'make' for phone calls in English.
Business English
In an office, say 'I'll make a phone call to follow up' to sound proactive.
Text First
With friends, it's often polite to text 'Can I call you?' before making the phone call.
Examples
6I need to make a phone call to the client before lunch.
أحتاج إلى إجراء مكالمة هاتفية مع العميل قبل الغداء.
Standard professional usage.
Excuse me, I have to make a quick phone call.
معذرة، يجب أن أجري مكالمة هاتفية سريعة.
A polite way to step away from the table.
He ran to the booth to make a phone call to the police.
ركض إلى الكشك لإجراء مكالمة هاتفية للشرطة.
Shows urgency in a serious situation.
I actually had to make a phone call today; my thumbs are on strike!
اضطررت فعلياً لإجراء مكالمة هاتفية اليوم؛ إبهامي في إضراب!
Joking about how much people text instead of calling.
May I make a phone call from your office?
هل يمكنني إجراء مكالمة هاتفية من مكتبك؟
Very polite and formal request.
I usually make a phone call to my parents on Sundays.
عادة ما أجري مكالمة هاتفية لوالديّ في أيام الأحد.
Describing a regular personal habit.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing verb.
I need to ______ a phone call to my doctor.
We always 'make' a phone call in English.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the best option:
You need the article 'a' and the correct word order.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Where is John? B: He's in the hallway ______.
This is the standard way to describe the action.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are in a meeting and your phone rings. What do you say?
This is the most polite and natural way to excuse yourself.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Make vs. Do
Practice Bank
4 exercisesI need to ______ a phone call to my doctor.
We always 'make' a phone call in English.
Choose the best option:
You need the article 'a' and the correct word order.
A: Where is John? B: He's in the hallway ______.
This is the standard way to describe the action.
You are in a meeting and your phone rings. What do you say?
This is the most polite and natural way to excuse yourself.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, 'I will call you' is more common and direct. 'Make a phone call' is used more to describe the action itself.
It is neutral. It works in both formal and informal situations.
It's a collocation—a pair of words that naturally go together in English. There isn't a logical reason, it's just how the language evolved.
It's grammatically correct but rare. People usually just say 'make a phone call' regardless of the device.
The past tense is 'made a phone call.' Example: 'I made a phone call yesterday.'
Yes, 'give someone a call' is a very common informal synonym.
Not always. You can just say 'make a call.' Adding 'phone' makes it very clear.
Usually no. For Zoom, we say 'make a video call' or 'have a Zoom meeting.'
It's perfect. 'I need to make a phone call to the bank.'
Use 'to' for the person/place. 'I made a call to the office.'
Related Phrases
call someone
similarTo use a phone to talk to someone.
give someone a ring
synonymInformal way to say call someone.
place a call
formalTo initiate a telephone call.
return a call
specialized formTo call someone back after they called you.
hang up
contrastTo end a phone call.
