please leave a message

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "Please leave a message" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in situations where you are asking someone to record a message for you, such as when you are unable to answer a phone call. For example, you can write a note that says, "I'm currently away from my phone. Please leave a message and I will get back to you when I can."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Please leave a message after the beep".

The Guardian

We are not in right now, please leave a message for Timmy after the beep".

The Guardian

Please leave a message at [email protected] via twitter @lengeldavid or at the tone.

The Guardian - Sport

In the meantime, if you have a federal crime to report, please leave a message on the F.B.I.'s answering machine.

The New York Times

I can't take your call at the moment, but please leave a message and I'll get back to you as soon as I can.

The Guardian - Sport

As the search for him moved to Europe Fry had left a personal message on his answering machine at his London flat: "Please leave a message unless you are a journalist, in which case you can fuck off".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Please leave a comment here, message us on Twitter, or share your thoughts on our Facebook page.

The Guardian

If you can help, please leave a comment or send me a message on Twitter @WayOfThePanda.

The Guardian

If you can help answer them, please leave a comment or send me a message on Twitter @WayOfThePanda.

The Guardian - Sport

If you can help solve any of these outstanding animal-related mysteries, please leave a comment or send me a message on Twitter @WayOfThePanda.

The Guardian

If you can help solve any of these outstanding mysteries, please leave a comment or send me a message on Twitter @WayOfThePanda.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "please leave a message" in automated systems, ensure the recording quality is clear and the instructions are concise to avoid caller frustration.

Common error

Avoid lengthy or overly complicated greetings before prompting the user to leave a message. Keep it brief and professional to respect the caller's time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "please leave a message" functions as an imperative, directly instructing the caller to perform a specific action. Ludwig AI confirms its proper grammatical structure and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

19%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "please leave a message" is a common and grammatically correct imperative used to prompt callers to record a voicemail when the recipient is unavailable. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. It maintains a neutral tone suitable for various contexts, as indicated by its frequent appearance in news media and wiki sources. To enhance clarity, ensure your greeting is concise. Alternatives include "leave a message after the tone" or "record your message now" depending on the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

leave a message after the tone

Specifies the expected action following a prompt.

feel free to leave a message

Offers the option to leave a message.

record your message now

Directly instructs the user to begin recording.

state your name and number

Asks for specific contact information.

call back later

Suggests an alternative action if leaving a message is not preferred.

send a message

Broader instruction, not necessarily via voicemail.

please provide your contact information

Asks for contact details for callback purposes.

I'm unable to answer your call

Indicates unavailability and implies leaving a message is acceptable.

your call is important to us

Emphasizes the value of the caller's communication.

we'll return your call shortly

Promises a callback upon receiving the message.

FAQs

How can I phrase a voicemail message politely?

Using phrases like "please leave a message" is a standard polite way. You can also say "feel free to leave a message" or ask them to "leave a message after the tone".

What should I include in a professional voicemail greeting?

A professional voicemail greeting should include your name, the company name (if applicable), and a polite request for the caller to leave their contact information and the reason for their call. End with a phrase like "please leave a message".

How do I prompt people to leave specific details in their voicemail?

You can ask callers to "state your name and number" or specify what information you need by saying, "If you're calling about [topic], please leave a message with [specific details]".

Is it okay to not offer an alternative to leaving a message?

While offering alternatives like email or another contact person can be helpful, it's acceptable to simply ask callers to "please leave a message" if you intend to return all calls promptly. Make sure you do call back.