• helpline: an often free telephone line by means of which people with a particular problem may contact advisers who will help them deal with it

• hotline: any line of speedy communication ready for an emergency

• Information line

• reservations line

People who answer and deal with calls like these work in call centres (AmE: call centers).

A number that is free of charge is:

Br.E an 0800 number a Freephone number

Am.E a 1-800 number a toll-free number

Some Expressions Used in Telephone Language

Expression No. 1: Give Me a Ring

In standard English, you can say: "Call me later." But if you're speaking to a friend or close colleague, you can also say: "Give me a ring." Another variation you may hear is: "Give me a buzz."

Of course, our cell phones only buzz when they're on silent mode, and they hardly ever ring because we usually choose a catchy tune from the hundreds of downloadable ringtones. Nevertheless, Give Me a Ring and Give Me a Buzz continue to be used in everyday English.

Expression No. 2: Text Me

Phones these days aren't just for conversations. We can check e-mail, take photos, watch videos and text message. Plenty of communication in the business world is done in writing, and if the nature of the information is informal, a text message via our cell phone can be a convenient way to convey it. Text Me is a quick way to ask someone to send you a text message. For example: "Hey, can you text me the address of the restaurant we're meeting at for lunch?"

Expression No. 3: Touch Base

People conducting business together must remain in contact. To Touch Base means to contact one another so that everyone can have the same information. If necessary, one person can update another. For example: "Let me make a few phone calls and find out more. We can touch base early next week, OK?"

Expression No. 4: Keep Me in the Loop

This expression is related to the previous one. Touch Base is actually making contact via phone, e-mail, etc. But when you ask people to Keep You in the Loop, you're simply asking them to keep you informed and not forget to pass along new developments.

Practice

Exercise 1. Which equipment in A would each of these people use?

1. A lawyer who needs to stay in contact in court, but can't have a ringing phone.

2. A building contractor who works in different places.

3. Someone who wants to stay in touch whilst they are in the garden.

4. A company manager who wants to discuss something with managers in different offices at the same time.

5. A computer enthusiast who wants to see the person she is talking to.

6. Someone who is out but doesn't have a mobile.

Exercise 2. Which of these sentences containing expressions from B are correct? Correct the mistakes.

1. It would be good to see Anna soon. I'll phone to her and see when she's free.

2. I gave Brian a call yesterday and we had a long chat.

3. Why don't you ring up at Pizza Palace and order some takeaway pizza?

4. I rung them five minutes ago but there was no answer.

5. Call me up next time you're in New York.

6. Give me a ring when you're next in London.

7. I'll give her the bell and we'll fix up a meeting.

8. When you get some news, make me a buzz.

Exercise 3. Write out these numbers in words (use American English). Show the intonation with arrows, as in C. The first one has been done for you.

1. Empire State Building, New York 212-736 3100.

two-one-two seven-three-six three-one-zero-zero

2. Disney World, Orlando, Florida 407-824 4321

3. Paramount Studios, Hollywood 213-956 1777

4. Alamo, San Antonio, Texas 210-225 1391

5. Graceland, Memphis, Tennessee 901-332 3322

6. Grand Canyon, Colorado 520-638 2626

Exercise 4. Match what the people say below with words from D.

1. Just call this number to book your seats.

2. For technical assistance with your new computer, call ...

3. If you know the answer call us right here in the studio! Right now!

4. Call us any time to find out about opening times and admission prices.

5. To buy this amazing product, simply call 0800 ...