home phone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "home phone" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a phone located at someone's residence, as opposed to a work or mobile phone. For example: "My home phone number is 555-123-4567".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Home phone service?

The New York Times - Tech

His home phone never rang.

The New Yorker

So I usually ignore my home phone.

The New Yorker

His home phone rang over the weekend.

The New York Times

With that, our home phone rang.

The New York Times

I like my home phone just fine.

The New York Times

"Nobody" has home phone lines anymore.

The New York Times - Tech

"The home phone is cut off.

The New York Times

If I call his home phone, will he answer it?

The New Yorker

The home phone of a second lawyer was unavailable.

The New York Times

By eight-thirty, homehome phone was ringing.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing communication methods, use "home phone" to clearly differentiate from mobile phones or other devices.

Common error

Avoid using "home phone" and "cell phone" interchangeably. "Home phone" refers to a landline, while "cell phone" indicates a mobile device.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "home phone" primarily functions as a noun phrase, designating a telephone located in a residence. Ludwig shows examples across various contexts where this phrase is used to differentiate from mobile or business phones.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

21%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "home phone" refers to a telephone located in a residence, typically a landline. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts. While cell phones have become more prevalent, the term remains relevant for differentiating between landlines and mobile devices. Usage is common in "News & Media" and "Wiki" articles, with a neutral register suitable for most situations. For alternatives, consider "landline" or "residential phone". When using the term, ensure it is not confused with cell phones, and specify "home phone" to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Landline

Refers to a traditional phone line, often used as a direct synonym for home phone.

Residential phone

Emphasizes the location of the phone being in a residence.

House phone

A simple variation, directly indicating a phone in a house.

Fixed-line telephone

A more technical term for a traditional phone service.

Home telephone service

Adds the service aspect to the physical device.

Traditional phone service

Highlights the conventional nature of the phone connection.

Wired phone

Focuses on the physical connection of the phone.

Corded phone

Implies the presence of a physical cord connecting the handset.

Analog phone line

Specifies the type of technology used for the phone connection.

Local phone service

Emphasizes that the phone line provides service to the local area.

FAQs

What's the difference between a "home phone" and a cell phone?

A "home phone" is a landline connected to a physical location, while a cell phone is a mobile device that uses cellular networks.

What can I say instead of "home phone"?

You can use alternatives like "landline", "residential phone", or "house phone".

Is it still common to have a "home phone" in modern households?

While cell phones have become more prevalent, many households still maintain a "home phone" for reliability or in areas with poor cell service.

How do I find someone's "home phone" number?

Traditionally, "home phone" numbers were found in phone books. Nowadays, online search tools or direct inquiry are more common methods.