May I ask who is speaking? vs Who is speaking?

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. "May I ask who is speaking?" is a more polite and formal way to inquire about the identity of the person on the other end of the phone. On the other hand, "Who is speaking?" is a more direct and informal way to ask the same question.

Last updated: March 21, 2024 • 5952 views

May I ask who is speaking?

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English, especially in formal situations.

This phrase is a polite and formal way to inquire about the identity of the person on the other end of the phone.

Examples:

May I ask who is speaking? I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name.
May I ask who is speaking? This is John from the marketing department.

Show examples from the web [+]

Jan 10, 2013 ... What is a polite way to ask “may I ask who is speaking?” up vote 12 down vote favorite. 1. A man I don't know calls me and starts talking to me ...
"May I ask who is speaking?" - Formal (business) "Who is speaking please?" - Informal. Category: English on the phone. 767 visitor(s) thought this was helpful.
May I ask who is speaking? Bob: My name is Bob, and I met Jane last night at the art gallery. She told me to give her a call. John: Well, my name is John, and I ...
May I ask who is speaking ?” “Oh. Hi. It's Mr./Mrs. such-and-such from ACME Corporation. Do you have a minute ?” “Possibly. Can I ask what this is about ?”

Alternatives:

Could I inquire about the identity of the caller?
May I know who I am speaking to?
Could you please tell me who is calling?
Who am I speaking with?
May I ask who I am speaking with?

Who is speaking?

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English, especially in informal situations.

This phrase is a direct and informal way to inquire about the identity of the person on the other end of the phone.

Examples:

Who is speaking? I didn't recognize your voice.
Who is speaking? Is this Sarah?

Show examples from the web [+]

Mar 11, 2014 ... Hatta export - Hiru fm who is speaking. janaka bandara. SubscribeSubscribed Unsubscribe 668668. Loading... Loading... Working... Add to ...
Aug 13, 2014 ... Mata kamathidha - who is speaking - Duration: 4:07. janaka bandara ... Check uncle - hiru fm who is speaking - Duration: 5:29. janaka bandara ...
Mar 9, 2014 ... Gangam thowill - hiru fm who is speaking. janaka bandara. SubscribeSubscribed Unsubscribe 665665. Loading... Loading... Working... Add to ...
Oct 12, 2011 ... So how would you know who is speaking to you? ... If you are not sure who is speaking to you, PRAY and ask Jesus to show you and He will ...

Alternatives:

Who's on the line?
Who is this?
Who am I talking to?
Who is calling?
Who is on the phone?

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May I ask who is speaking? vs Who is speaking?