Could I speak to …? — ask to be connected
expressionB1IELTS 4+neutralcore
A polite way on the phone to ask to be connected to the person you want to talk to.
Pattern: Could I speak to [name/role], please?
In use
- 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
Common mistake
✗ I want speak with the manager.
✓ Could I speak to the manager, please?
Use 'Could I speak to …?' for a polite phone request, and keep 'to' before the person.
Don't confuse it
Asking 'Could I speak to …?' reaches the person; 'put through' is what the other side does to connect you.