Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[someday]

I had a phone call today looking for A or B. I can�t remember the exact names. Upon finishing the conversation, I knew there were some errors in my words. Could you correct them or make any line more natural.

A: Can I talk to ( * or *)?
I : (having never heard of the names) which number are you calling?
A: I am calling xxx-xxx-xxxxx
I: I am sorry there is nobody named those living here.

Q1. I would correct the underlined words with/by �nobody having those names living here.� Still, I don�t feel comfortable with that as nobody can have more than one name, but A asked if there was * or *. If I could mimic the names A mentioned, I might have said �there is no (Jason or James for example) living here more easily, but in this case, I couldn�t mimic them.
Q2. Before I said, � I am sorry�� Should I have said �you have the right number but� to make it more smooth?

A: I am sorry,..
I: Bye.

Extra question:
When you introduce on the phone, you could say,

(Formal situation and when you don�t� know who�s answering)
Hello, this (it) is Jason (calling).

(Informal situation; when you know who�s answering)
Hello, George, this (it) is Jason (calling)

I am often confused whether I have to use �it� or �this� or whether I have to add �calling� or not. Could you explain the differences and tell me which one native speakers would use the most.

As always, thanks.

[ebb]

[someday]

Thanks a lot ebb, I just want to make sure I could apply your answer in a foraml situation like "Hello, it 's Jack Thomos. May I speak to James Brown, please?"
Could I use "it's" than "this is"?

[ebb]

"It's" is a bit chummier, so probably "this is" will be better. Certainly in the grammar books you will find "This is...." -- "it's" is just a tiny bit more relaxed.
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