In 15 Seconds
- Used to ask for a caller's identity on the phone.
- Polite and neutral for both work and personal life.
- Best used right after saying hello to an unknown caller.
Meaning
This is a polite way to ask for the name of the person who is calling you on the phone. It helps you identify the speaker before starting a full conversation.
Key Examples
3 of 6Answering a random number
Hello? Who's calling, please?
Hello? Who is calling, please?
Answering the office phone
He's in a meeting. Who's calling?
He is in a meeting. Who is calling?
Texting an unknown number
I don't have this number saved. Who's calling?
I don't have this number. Who is this?
Cultural Background
Americans are generally very direct on the phone. 'Who's calling?' is standard, but many people now simply wait for the caller to identify themselves first. If they don't, the question is asked immediately. British etiquette often involves more 'hedging' (making things less direct). You will frequently hear 'May I ask who's calling?' or 'Could I take your name?' to avoid sounding too blunt. In Japan, the receiver usually identifies themselves first (e.g., 'Hai, [Name] desu'). If the caller doesn't identify themselves, the receiver uses very polite language to ask, as anonymity is considered slightly suspicious. Germans often answer the phone by stating their last name. Because of this, 'Who's calling?' is used less frequently because the identity of the receiver is already known, prompting the caller to identify themselves immediately.
The 'Please' Rule
Always add 'please' at the end if you are unsure of the formality. 'Who's calling, please?' is never wrong.
Tone Matters
If your voice goes down at the end, you sound suspicious. If it goes up, you sound friendly.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to ask for a caller's identity on the phone.
- Polite and neutral for both work and personal life.
- Best used right after saying hello to an unknown caller.
What It Means
Who's calling? is the standard way to identify a caller. It is short for "Who is calling?" but we almost always use the contraction. It is not rude. It is simply practical. You use it when you don't recognize the number. You also use it when you are answering for someone else.
How To Use It
Wait for the phone to ring. Pick it up and say Hello? first. If the person asks for you or someone else, say Who's calling? to get their name. You can also add please at the end. This makes it sound much softer. For example: Who's calling, please? It sounds professional and friendly.
When To Use It
Use it when a stranger calls your mobile phone. Use it at work when you answer the office line. It is perfect when you are a gatekeeper for your boss. Use it at home if a friend's phone rings and they are busy. It works best in the first ten seconds of a call.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it if you already know the person. If your mom calls, saying Who's calling? sounds like a mean joke. Do not use it in person. If someone knocks on your door, say Who is it? instead. Who's calling? is strictly for phone or intercom use. Using it face-to-face will make people look at you very strangely.
Cultural Background
In English-speaking cultures, we value knowing who we are talking to. Before caller ID, this phrase was used every single day. Now, we use it mostly for unknown numbers or business. It is a polite way to filter out telemarketers. If they won't give a name, you can hang up! It represents a balance between being helpful and protecting your privacy.
Common Variations
If you want to be very formal, say May I ask who is calling? This is common in high-end hotels or law firms. For a more casual vibe, you might hear Who is this? but be careful. Who is this? can sound a bit sharp or annoyed. Who's calling? is the safest middle ground for almost every situation.
Usage Notes
The phrase is perfectly neutral and safe for A2 learners. Just remember to use the contraction `Who's` rather than `Who is` to sound more natural in conversation.
The 'Please' Rule
Always add 'please' at the end if you are unsure of the formality. 'Who's calling, please?' is never wrong.
Tone Matters
If your voice goes down at the end, you sound suspicious. If it goes up, you sound friendly.
Examples
6Hello? Who's calling, please?
Hello? Who is calling, please?
Adding 'please' makes this very polite for a stranger.
He's in a meeting. Who's calling?
He is in a meeting. Who is calling?
A standard professional way to take a message.
I don't have this number saved. Who's calling?
I don't have this number. Who is this?
Commonly used in texts when a contact is lost.
You've called me five times! Who's calling?!
You have called five times! Who is this?
The tone changes to annoyed when repeated.
She can't come to the phone. Who's calling?
She cannot answer. Who is calling?
Used to filter calls for someone else.
May I tell the director who's calling?
May I tell the director who is calling?
The most formal version of the phrase.
Test Yourself
Choose the most polite way to ask for a caller's name in a business setting.
The phone rings at your new job. You answer: 'Hello, ABC Marketing...' What do you say next?
'May I ask who's calling?' is the gold standard for professional phone etiquette.
Fill in the missing word to complete the standard phone phrase.
Hello? I'm sorry, I don't recognize this number. Who's _______?
The standard phrase is 'Who's calling?'.
Complete the dialogue between a receptionist and a caller.
Receptionist: 'Dr. Miller's office.' Caller: 'Hi, I'd like to make an appointment.' Receptionist: 'Certainly. ___________?'
'Who's calling, please?' is the most natural and polite fit for this context.
Match the phrase variation to the correct situation.
1. 'Who dis?' | 2. 'May I ask who's calling?' | 3. 'Who's calling?'
Register awareness is key: 'Who dis' is slang, 'May I ask...' is formal/business, and 'Who's calling' is neutral.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesThe phone rings at your new job. You answer: 'Hello, ABC Marketing...' What do you say next?
'May I ask who's calling?' is the gold standard for professional phone etiquette.
Hello? I'm sorry, I don't recognize this number. Who's _______?
The standard phrase is 'Who's calling?'.
Receptionist: 'Dr. Miller's office.' Caller: 'Hi, I'd like to make an appointment.' Receptionist: 'Certainly. ___________?'
'Who's calling, please?' is the most natural and polite fit for this context.
1. 'Who dis?' | 2. 'May I ask who's calling?' | 3. 'Who's calling?'
Register awareness is key: 'Who dis' is slang, 'May I ask...' is formal/business, and 'Who's calling' is neutral.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsNot necessarily. 'Who's calling?' is much more natural in spoken English. 'Who is calling?' sounds very formal or like you are emphasizing each word.
It's better to use 'Who is this?' for texts. 'Who's calling?' specifically refers to a voice call.
You can just say 'Who is this?' or simply hang up. But 'Who's calling?' is still a safe default.
Both are correct. 'Who's calling' is more common when you first answer. 'Who's speaking' is used if you get confused in the middle of a call with multiple people.
Related Phrases
Who is this?
similarA slightly more direct way to ask for identity.
May I ask who's calling?
specialized formThe formal/polite version of the phrase.
Who's there?
contrastUsed for doors or physical presence.
New phone, who dis?
specialized formA slang/meme way to ask for identity.
