Sound issues — basics
When you can't hear well or the sound cuts out during a call, ask them to repeat, request them to speak loudly and slowly, and inform them that the signal is weak before saying you'll call back.
→ / ←
I'm sorry, could you say that again?
The sound is cutting out.
'break up' is the perfect expression for 'the signal is cutting out and the sound is breaking up' on the phone. It's used when the call keeps cutting out.
Could you speak a little louder?
'speak up' means 'to speak louder'. It's more natural than 'speak loudly'.
The signal is weak. (It's not coming through well)
When my side has a weak connection. It's referred to as 'bad signal' or 'bad reception'.
I'll call you back.
Can you hear me now?
- 1
When you can't hear, please use the template 'Sorry, can you ___?
- 2
'.
- 3
In the blank, putting in phrases like say that again / speak up / slow down makes any request polite.
- break up — (The signal) is cut off
- speak up — Speak louder
- signal — (Phone) signal
- reception — (Phone) reception status
- hang up — Hang up the phone