When you ask who is calling, do you ask for permission to ask who is calling?

Question

Example:

"Hello, thanks for calling so & so.. this is so & so"

"Is so & so there"

"May I ask who's calling?"

Answer 1

I used to say, "May I ask who's calling?" I actually had someone say no one time. The policy at my house is, if they say no, the intended recipient won't take the call.

Now I usually say, "Who's calling, please?"

Answer 2

As a receptionist this is something I say at least 1000 time a day but I say "May I tell him/her who is calling?" Makes the caller feel important because they are being announced and lets whoever the call is for decide if they want to talk to that person.

Answer 3

I just say "Who's calling?"

They called me, I don't need to ask their permission for anything.

Answer 4

When someone phones my house that I don't recognise the voice of, I put the phone down.
My family and friends who 'change' their voice, through a cold etc, know this and phone my mobile instead.
Strange but never mind!

If I did I would just say, '' Sorry, who is this? ''

Answer 5

It really isn't anybody's business who is calling for someone else in the house...unless it is a father answering to protect his innocent, young daughter.

Answer 6

Yes if it looks like a professional/business call.

Answer 7

I don't generally, I just get the person to whom they want to speak and give them the phone.

Answer 8

I only do that if the person sounds to be an elder..otherwise, i'll say: "who is it?" or "who's calling?"

Answer 9

That is more proper.. but I usually just say "Who's calling?"
Best Wishes!

Answer 10

It sounds kinder and more polite to say "may I ask"