Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[hiromi525]

When I get the phone and the man who wanted on the phone is away from thire desk, how should I answer.

1. He has pulled away for a while, would you like to hold.
2. He is away at this moment, would you like to hold.
3. He is just stepped out, would you like to hold.

[CP]

1. He has pulled away for a while, would you like to hold. No. Unusual phrasing will sound odd to caller.
2. He is away at this moment, would you like to hold. No. Again, unusual phrasing.
3. He is just stepped out, would you like to hold. No. Also unusual. See below.

Better choices, depending on the circumstances:

He is away from his desk. Would you like to hold, or may I take a message? [Use only if he will be able to return to pick up the call within a minute or two.]

He is not in the office right now. Would you like to leave a message? [When he is away and cannot return the call soon.]

He is not available right now. Would you like to leave a message? [Does not reveal where he is, or whether he is busy or just does not want to talk to the caller right now. Useful much of the time.]
_________________
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[hiromi525]

Thank you very much for your precise explanation of "sign", "promise" and "away".
I have learn a lot today. Learning a living language through the net is really great, and was completly better than my English lass in college.

As far as #1 is concernd, I've heard one Australian spoke this way.
Is there chances that #1 sounded odd to you because you are an American?