Grammar fix
Could I speak to …?
ask to be connected
A polite way on the phone to ask to be connected to the person you want to talk to.
expressionB1core
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
- Hello, could I speak to Dr Lee, please?phone call to a clinic
- A: Good morning, Maxwell & Co.
B: Hi, could I speak to someone in accounts, please?calling a company
Fix the pattern
Pattern: Could I speak to [name/role], please?
WrongI want speak with the manager.
RightCould I speak to the manager, please?
Use 'Could I speak to …?' for a polite phone request, and keep 'to' before the person.
PatternCould I speak to [name/role], please?
Don't confuse it
Asking 'Could I speak to …?' reaches the person; 'put through' is what the other side does to connect you.