phone

Everyday

1. A phone is a device for calling and talking to people far away. A mobile phone (cell phone) can also send messages, take photos and use the internet. tree →
2. To phone is to call someone. tree →
3. «On the phone» means talking by phone. tree →

In the lessons

In maths: a thing bought with a price; calls made; minutes or battery used; saving for a phone. In everyday life: calling family, emergency calls (911 in the USA and Canada, 999 or 112 in the UK and Ireland, 000 in Australia, 111 in New Zealand). In science: phones send signals by radio waves. Safety: do not share personal details or photos with strangers by phone.

Examples

• The phone costs 200 dollars. tree →
• She talked on the phone for 15 minutes. tree →
• He saves 20 dollars a week for a phone. tree →
• She phoned her grandma 3 times this week. tree →
• The phone battery is at 20 percent. tree →
• In an emergency, phone 911. tree →
• Put your phone away during dinner. tree →
• Don't answer calls from numbers you don't know. tree →
• Dad is on the phone with the doctor. tree →

Note

Usually a thing bought: cost and saving problems. Minutes of calls add up. Trap: «phone» is the thing, its price is the number. «Phone» is short for telephone; «ph» sounds like «f». British: mobile; American: cell phone. Learn your emergency number by heart.