Always keep things simple, when you talk to someone new on the phone. Sometimes you forget a name, or a number pops up that you do not know. You need a way to ask, without sounding rude or mean. Good manners matter, even when you are confused. Maybe you want to be funny, or maybe you want to stay very formal. This list gives you plenty of great choices, for any time you feel lost.
Casual Ways to Say Who is This
Can I Ask Who is Calling
Sometimes a call comes in, and you have no clue who it is. Asking this way is very polite, and it keeps the mood light. You can use this with friends, or even with people you do not know well. It shows you are kind, but you still want to know the truth. It works great for quick chats, where you do not need to be super fancy or stiff.
- Can I ask who is calling, since I do not recognize the number?
- Please, can I ask who is calling before we start the chat?
- I am busy right now, so can I ask who is calling?
- Just so I know, can I ask who is calling today?
Who Do I Have the Pleasure of Speaking With
This sounds a bit fancy, but it is actually quite fun to say. You sound like a person who cares, and you want to be nice to the person on the line. It is perfect for when you answer the office phone, or a call from a new client. People will feel special, because you took the time to sound very polite, and warm.
- Who do I have the pleasure of speaking with, on this fine day?
- Tell me, who do I have the pleasure of speaking with right now?
- I am curious, who do I have the pleasure of speaking with?
- If you do not mind, who do I have the pleasure of speaking with?
May I Have Your Name
Sometimes you just want the facts, without any extra fluff or talk. This phrase is very direct, and it gets the job done fast. You can use it when you are in a rush, or when the connection is bad. It is not rude, it is just clear, and simple. People will likely give you their name right away, without any fuss or delay at all.
- May I have your name, before I look up your file?
- Hello, may I have your name for my notes?
- May I have your name, so I can tell my friend you called?
- Sorry, may I have your name one more time?
Who is This
This is the shortest way to ask, but be careful with how you say it. If you say it with a smile, it is totally fine and casual. If you say it fast, it might sound a bit grumpy or annoyed. Use it only with people you know well, like your best friend, or your brother. It is a very easy way to break the ice, if you are joking around.
- Who is this, you silly person?
- Tell me, who is this calling my house?
- I have no idea who is this, so please tell me.
- Guess who is this, if you want me to stay on the line.
May I Ask Who is on the Line
This is a very safe choice, when you are not sure who is calling. It sounds professional enough for work, but friendly enough for home. It is a classic way to ask, and it never goes out of style. You will sound calm, and ready to listen. Most people will just tell you their name, without thinking twice about why you asked them.
- May I ask who is on the line, please?
- Hi there, may I ask who is on the line?
- I am not sure, but may I ask who is on the line?
- Just to be safe, may I ask who is on the line?
To Whom Am I Speaking
This sounds a bit like an old movie, which can be kind of cool. It is very formal, and people might even laugh a little bit. If you want to sound very smart, or just a little bit silly, use this one. It works best when you want to make a point, or just have some fun with a friend who is trying to tease you.
- To whom am I speaking, if I might ask?
- I wonder, to whom am I speaking today?
- To whom am I speaking, in this mystery call?
- Please say, to whom am I speaking right now?
Could You Tell Me Who is Calling
This is a soft way to ask, and it sounds very helpful. You are saying that you want to talk, but you just need a name first. It is great for when you are at work, and you need to pass a message to a boss. It keeps things smooth, and it makes sure that everyone knows who is who, from the very start of the call.
- Could you tell me who is calling, so I can help you?
- Please, could you tell me who is calling my phone?
- I am ready to help, but could you tell me who is calling?
- Could you tell me who is calling, so I can find them?
Who Am I Talking To
This is very natural, and it sounds like how friends talk at home. It is not too stiff, and it is not too casual either. You can use this anywhere, and people will understand you perfectly fine. It is the best way to keep a conversation moving, without making the other person feel like they are being tested or bothered by you.
- Who am I talking to, since I lost my list of numbers?
- Tell me, who am I talking to today?
- Who am I talking to, in this loud room?
- I forget, who am I talking to right now?
May I Know Who is Calling
This sounds very polite, and it works well for almost any situation. It is simple, and it shows you have good manners. If you are ever stuck, just use this phrase. It is a safe bet, and it will never offend anyone. People will see you as a nice, polite person who just wants to make sure everything is clear, and easy.
- May I know who is calling, please?
- Could you say, may I know who is calling?
- I just want to know, may I know who is calling?
- Sorry, may I know who is calling so I can write it down?
Are You Someone I Know
This is a fun way to ask, if you think it might be a friend pranking you. It is cheeky, and it shows you have a good sense of humor. You should only use this with people you are close with, or maybe someone who sounds like they are laughing. It is a great way to start a funny chat, or a long talk with a buddy.
- Are you someone I know, or just a new friend?
- Tell me, are you someone I know calling for fun?
- I wonder, are you someone I know?
- Just tell me, are you someone I know?
💡 Also Read: 28+ Other Ways to Say What is Wrong (100+ Examples)
Playful Ways to Say Who is This
Reveal Yourself
This sounds like a game, or a scene from a fantasy book. It is very dramatic, and perfect for when a friend calls from a blocked number. You are being silly, and they will likely play along with the joke. Use it when you want to laugh, and keep the energy high. It is a light way to handle a mystery, and it brings a smile to the room.
- Reveal yourself, you mystery caller!
- Come on, reveal yourself to me now.
- Reveal yourself, so I know who is there.
- Please, just reveal yourself and tell me your name.
State Your Business
This is what people say in old spy movies, when they are trying to be tough. It is very funny to use in real life, especially with someone you love. You are joking about being a guard, or a secret agent. It is a quick way to turn a normal call into a little game, and it helps you feel close to the person calling you.
- State your business, before I let you talk!
- You must state your business, if you want my time.
- State your business, or I will hang up on you!
- Please state your business, my dear friend.
Who is the Secret Guest
This is cute, and it makes the caller feel like they are invited to a party. It is a very warm way to ask for a name. You are suggesting that their call is a nice surprise. It works well if you are having a good day, and you want to keep the happy mood going, even if you are not sure who is talking.
- Who is the secret guest on my phone today?
- I wonder, who is the secret guest?
- Who is the secret guest, calling me from afar?
- Please, tell me who is the secret guest.
Identify Yourself, Intruder
This is a classic joke, perfect for when you want to act like a grumpy old man. It is very silly, and most people will start laughing as soon as you say it. It is perfect for a sibling, or a best friend who likes to tease you. You are being playful, and it shows you have a fun side that you like to share often.
- Identify yourself, intruder, or face the music!
- Stop, identify yourself, intruder!
- I must know, identify yourself, intruder.
- You better identify yourself, intruder, before I hang up.
Are You a Ghost
If a number looks weird, or the person is being very quiet, ask this. It is a funny way to address the silence on the other end of the line. You are being playful, and it breaks the tension of a weird call. It is a great way to make someone laugh, even if they were just being a bit shy, or having trouble with the phone.
- Are you a ghost, or just a shy friend?
- Tell me, are you a ghost calling from the past?
- I hope you are not a ghost, so please tell me who you are.
- Are you a ghost, because you are very quiet today?
Who Goes There
This sounds like a knight standing at a castle gate. It is very funny, and it makes people giggle. Use it when you want to be a bit dramatic, or just weird for a second. It works best when you know the person will find it funny. It is a nice way to make a call feel more like a joke, and less like work.
- Who goes there, in my quiet home?
- I ask, who goes there?
- Who goes there, and why are you calling?
- Tell me, who goes there, because I am curious.
Is That You, Mystery Person
This is sweet, and it sounds like you are excited to find out who is calling. It is a very kind way to ask, and it makes the caller feel welcome. You are not annoyed, you are just happy to be talking to someone. It is a good choice for when you are in a good mood, and want to keep that feeling going all day long.
- Is that you, mystery person, calling to say hello?
- I wonder, is that you, mystery person?
- Is that you, mystery person, on the other end?
- Tell me, is that you, mystery person?
Who is Calling Me From the Shadows
This sounds a bit spooky, but in a fun way. It is a silly way to point out that you do not know the number. Use it when you are feeling creative, or want to make your friend laugh. It is a very lighthearted way to handle an unknown call, and it shows that you do not take things too seriously, which is always nice.
- Who is calling me from the shadows today?
- I want to know, who is calling me from the shadows?
- Who is calling me from the shadows, so I can say hi?
- Just tell me, who is calling me from the shadows?
💡 See Also: 30+ Other Ways to Say Where Are You (100+ Examples)
Sarcastic Ways to Say Who is This
Oh Look, a Mystery Person
This is for when someone calls and does not say anything, which can be really annoying. You are being a bit snarky, but it helps you feel better. It shows that you are not going to be pushed around by a quiet caller. It is a funny way to vent, and it might just get them to finally tell you who they are, which is the goal.
- Oh look, a mystery person is finally calling me.
- I see, oh look, a mystery person on the line.
- Oh look, a mystery person, how exciting!
- Why is there, oh look, a mystery person calling?
Who Might This Be, the President
This is a funny way to mock someone who is being too formal, or acting like they are very important. It is perfect for when a friend is trying to play a game, and you want to bring them back down to earth. You are being playful, but with a bit of a sharp edge. It shows you know they are just a normal person, just like you.
- Who might this be, the president, or just my pal?
- Tell me, who might this be, the president?
- Is it, who might this be, the president calling?
- I guess, who might this be, the president of the club?
So, Who is the Winner of This Mystery
This is for when you are tired of playing guessing games. You are being a bit sassy, and it shows you are done with the games. It is a good way to get the truth, while still keeping things light. You are not angry, you are just ready for them to stop the silly act, and talk like a normal person, for once.
- So, who is the winner of this mystery caller game?
- Tell me, so who is the winner of this mystery?
- I want to know, so who is the winner of this mystery today?
- Who is the winner of this mystery, please just tell me!
Are We Playing a Guessing Game
This is a classic line, for when someone calls and expects you to know who they are. It is a bit biting, but it is also very honest. You are saying that they are being a bit silly, by not just saying their name. It is a quick way to stop the games, and get to the point of the call, which is what matters most.
- Are we playing a guessing game, because I am not good at them!
- I think, are we playing a guessing game?
- Why, are we playing a guessing game today?
- Please, are we playing a guessing game, or can you just talk?
I Suppose I Have to Guess
This is for when you are totally over the whole guessing thing. You are being dry, and maybe a little bit bored. It is a great way to show you are not interested in games, but you are still willing to listen. Use it when you are in a bad mood, or just have zero energy for any kind of funny business on the phone.
- I suppose I have to guess, who is on the other end.
- Well, I suppose I have to guess, if you will not tell me.
- I suppose I have to guess, but I would rather you just talk.
- Maybe I suppose I have to guess, but it is hard!
Who Are You, and Why Should I Care
This is very harsh, so only use it if you are really mad, or really close to the person. It is a blunt way to say you are busy, and they are wasting your time. It is not polite, but it is very direct. If someone is being a nuisance, this will tell them, in no uncertain terms, that they need to move on, right now.
- Who are you, and why should I care, since I am eating?
- I ask, who are you, and why should I care?
- Tell me, who are you, and why should I care, in this busy moment?
- Seriously, who are you, and why should I care?
Is This a Call, or a Prank
This is for when you are tired of the silence, or the weird noises on the line. You are being very blunt, and you want an answer. It shows you are not going to sit there and wait for them to finish their silly joke. It is a good way to protect your time, and keep your sanity, when someone is being a total pain.
- Is this a call, or a prank, because I have work to do!
- Tell me, is this a call, or a prank?
- I am asking, is this a call, or a prank?
- Please say, is this a call, or a prank, right now?
Oh, a Ghost on the Phone Again
This is for when the same person keeps calling, and then not talking. You are being sarcastic, and letting them know that you are onto their game. It is a way to show you are not scared, and you are not amused. It is a strong way to handle a situation that is getting very old, very fast, for you.
- Oh, a ghost on the phone again, how very fun!
- Is it, oh, a ghost on the phone again?
- Why, oh, a ghost on the phone again, seriously?
- I see, oh, a ghost on the phone again, please stop!
So You Will Not Say, Fine
This is for when you have asked, and they still will not say their name. You are giving up, and letting them know that you are done. It is a cold, but very clear way to end the conversation. You are setting a boundary, and you are showing that you do not have time for people who cannot be honest, or clear, with you.
- So you will not say, fine, I am hanging up!
- Well, so you will not say, fine, have a nice day.
- I see, so you will not say, fine, goodbye.
- So you will not say, fine, I am busy anyway.
💡 See Also: 26+ Other Ways to Say Whether or Not (100+ Examples)
Punny Ways to Say Who is This
Who-is-it, Tell Me Quick
This is a silly play on words, that makes you sound like a funny person. It is not very serious, and it is great for a quick laugh with someone you love. It turns the question into a tiny joke, and it keeps things light, and happy. Use it when you are in a good mood, and want to spread that joy around, to anyone who calls you.
- Who-is-it, tell me quick, before I lose my mind!
- I ask, who-is-it, tell me quick?
- Who-is-it, tell me quick, my dear friend.
- Please, who-is-it, tell me quick!
Name Your Game, or Should I Say, Name Yourself
This is a cute way to ask for a name, while adding a little twist to it. It shows you are quick, and you like to have fun with your words. It is perfect for a friend who likes word games, or just a good joke. You are being playful, and it makes the whole call feel like a tiny bit of magic, which is always welcome.
- Name your game, or should I say, name yourself, so I can talk!
- Come on, name your game, or should I say, name yourself.
- I say, name your game, or should I say, name yourself?
- Can you name your game, or should I say, name yourself, today?
Which Witch is Calling
This is a funny play on the word witch, which is perfect for Halloween, or any time you want to be silly. It is a bit of a dad joke, so be ready for some groans from your friends. It is a lighthearted way to ask a question, and it shows that you do not take things too seriously, which is a great way to be.
- Which witch is calling me on this spooky day?
- I wonder, which witch is calling?
- Which witch is calling, so I can say hello?
- Tell me, which witch is calling, because I want to know!
Who-dunit, or Who-is-calling
This is a fun way to reference a mystery story, while you are just asking a simple question. It is clever, and it shows you have a good sense of humor. Use it when you are feeling a bit fancy, or just want to make your friend smile. It is a nice way to change up how you talk, and keep your conversations fresh, and fun.
- Who-dunit, or who-is-calling, let me know!
- I have to ask, who-dunit, or who-is-calling?
- Is it, who-dunit, or who-is-calling, right now?
- Please, who-dunit, or who-is-calling, tell me the truth!
What is the Name of This Game
This is a pun on the phrase name of the game, which means the main goal. You are using it to ask for their name, which is very funny if you think about it. It is a smart way to ask, and it shows you are clever. Use it with someone who enjoys a little bit of wit, and likes to play with their words.
- What is the name of this game, or should I say, what is your name?
- Tell me, what is the name of this game?
- I ask, what is the name of this game, please?
- Can you say, what is the name of this game, so I know?
Who is Who, in This Zoo
This is a funny rhyme, that you can use when things are crazy. It is great for when your kids are calling, or when you are having a chaotic day. It is very light, and it brings a smile to your face. It shows that even when life is busy, you can still find a way to laugh, and stay kind to those who call.
- Who is who, in this zoo of a day?
- Tell me, who is who, in this zoo?
- Who is who, in this zoo, can you say?
- I wonder, who is who, in this zoo, right now?
💡 Also Read: 31+ Other Ways to Say Which is Why (100+ Examples)
Professional Ways to Say Who is This
May I Ask Who is Calling, Please
This is the gold standard for work calls, or any time you need to be very polite. It is clear, simple, and it shows you respect the person on the other end. It is the best way to start a professional conversation, and it ensures that you are seen as a serious, and capable person. Always keep this one in your pocket, for the office.
- May I ask who is calling, please, so I can direct your call?
- I would like to know, may I ask who is calling, please?
- Please, may I ask who is calling, please?
- Can you say, may I ask who is calling, please?
Could You Please State Your Name
This is very formal, and great for when you are taking messages for someone else. It is clear and direct, and it leaves no room for confusion. You are being very helpful, and showing that you care about getting the right information. It is perfect for a busy office, where you need to keep things moving along, and stay very organized, at all times.
- Could you please state your name for my records?
- I need, could you please state your name?
- Please, could you please state your name, so I can pass it on?
- Can you, could you please state your name, for our list?
Who Should I Say is Calling
This is a classic way to ask, when you are answering for someone else. It is very professional, and it sounds like you know exactly what you are doing. It is a great phrase to use, when you want to sound confident, and helpful. People will feel good about talking to you, because you are clear, and you are taking their request very seriously.
- Who should I say is calling, so I can tell my boss?
- Please, who should I say is calling?
- I ask, who should I say is calling, for this message?
- Can you tell me, who should I say is calling?
May I Have the Caller Name
This is short, and very professional. It is great for when you are on a busy line, and you need to get the name, so you can help the caller fast. It is not too long, and it gets the job done well. You are being efficient, and showing that you value the time of the caller, which is always a very good thing to do.
- May I have the caller name, so I can help you?
- Please, may I have the caller name?
- I would like, may I have the caller name, for my log?
- Can you say, may I have the caller name, right now?
To Whom Am I Speaking, for the Record
This sounds very official, and it is great for when you are dealing with something important. It shows that you are being careful, and you want to make sure everything is documented correctly. It is a strong, and serious way to ask, and it works well when you are in a professional setting, where details matter, and you want to be very clear.
- To whom am I speaking, for the record, on this call?
- I must ask, to whom am I speaking, for the record?
- Please, to whom am I speaking, for the record?
- Can you tell me, to whom am I speaking, for the record?
Whom Do I Have the Pleasure of Speaking With
This is a very polite, and professional way to greet a caller. It sounds like you are happy to be talking to them, even if you do not know them yet. It is a great way to build a good relationship, from the very first minute of the call. It shows that you are a kind, and professional person, who cares about the experience of others.
- Whom do I have the pleasure of speaking with, on this call?
- I am so glad, whom do I have the pleasure of speaking with?
- Please, whom do I have the pleasure of speaking with today?
- Can you tell me, whom do I have the pleasure of speaking with?
Summary of Alternate Ways
| Alternate Phrase | Best Situation | Tone/Feeling |
|---|---|---|
| Can I ask who is calling | Casual chat | Friendly |
| Who do I have the pleasure of speaking with | Professional | Very polite |
| May I have your name | Fast call | Direct |
| Who is this | Close friend | Very casual |
| May I ask who is on the line | General use | Safe/Neutral |
| To whom am I speaking | Old fashioned | Formal |
| Could you tell me who is calling | Helping someone | Kind |
| Who am I talking to | Everyday use | Natural |
| May I know who is calling | Polite request | Warm |
| Are you someone I know | Prank/Joke | Cheeky |
| Reveal yourself | Dramatic friend | Fun/Playful |
| State your business | Spy joke | Funny |
| Who is the secret guest | Warm surprise | Sweet |
| Identify yourself, intruder | Sibling/Friend | Silly |
| Are you a ghost | Weird silence | Playful |
| Who goes there | Fantasy fan | Silly |
| Is that you, mystery person | Kind surprise | Sweet |
| Who is calling me from the shadows | Creative moment | Playful |
| Oh look, a mystery person | Rude silence | Sarcastic |
| Who might this be, the president | Over-formal | Snarky |
Final Thoughts
I hope you found a perfect way to ask who is calling. Whether you want to be funny, or stay very professional, there is a choice for you here. Remember, you can always change the tone to fit the person on the line. Being polite is always the best way to start any new conversation today.









