The phrase "on the telephone" is an adverbial phrase, commonly used to describe the action of using a telephone for communication.
/ɒn ðə ˈtɛlɪfəʊn/
"On the telephone" refers to the act of communicating with someone using a telephone, whether it be a landline or a mobile device. It implies that the interaction is happening in real-time through verbal communication. This phrase is frequently used in spoken English, especially in contexts where clarity regarding communication methods is required.
The phrase is commonly used in both oral and written forms, but tends to be more prevalent in conversational contexts.
I spoke to my mom on the telephone yesterday.
(Eu falei com minha mãe ao telefone ontem.)
He is currently on the telephone with a client.
(Ele está atualmente ao telefone com um cliente.)
Have you ever talked to someone on the telephone for more than an hour?
(Você já conversou com alguém ao telefone por mais de uma hora?)
The phrase "on the telephone" is not a part of many idiomatic expressions, but related phrases do appear in informal conversations and expressions regarding communication:
Don't hang up on the telephone until we've finished our conversation.
(Não desligue ao telefone até termos terminado nossa conversa.)
Being on the telephone all day can be exhausting.
(Estar ao telefone o dia todo pode ser exaustivo.)
She is always on the telephone, chatting with her friends.
(Ela está sempre ao telefone, conversando com suas amigas.)
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me on the telephone.
(Se você tiver alguma dúvida, sinta-se à vontade para me contatar ao telefone.)
The phrase "on the telephone" comes from the word "telephone," which is derived from the Greek words "tēle," meaning "far," and "phone," meaning "voice." The telephone was developed in the late 19th century, revolutionizing communication by allowing people to talk to each other over long distances.
Synonyms: - Over the phone - By phone
Antonyms: - In person - Face-to-face
This comprehensive overview of the phrase "on the telephone" provides insights into its usage, meanings, related idioms, etymology, and synonym/antonym relationships.