return my call

USAGE SUMMARY

"return my call" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want someone to call you back. For example, "Please return my call as soon as possible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Mr. Ward, of Comprehensive Consulting, did not return my call.

The New York Times

"But one fund manager did not return my call.

The New York Times

I called the company's headquarters to complain and was assured that someone would return my call.

The New York Times

This last one is pure, unsourced thumb-sucking; Sharon didn't return my call.

The New York Times

"Bernie said Steve didn't call, and Steve said Bernie didn't return my call," Mark says.

The New York Times - Health

But Mr. Nasser "did not take the call and never did return my call," Mr. Lampe said this evening.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Ilan didn't return my calls.

The New Yorker

People still return my calls now.

The New York Times

ME: And Sarah won't even return my calls.

The New Yorker

Richard said, "They won't return my calls".

The New Yorker

"No one would return my calls," he remembers.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When leaving a voicemail, clearly state your name, phone number, and the reason for your call to increase the likelihood that the person will "return my call".

Common error

Don't assume someone will "return my call" immediately. Be patient and allow a reasonable amount of time before following up again. Consider time zones and business hours.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "return my call" functions as a polite request or instruction for someone to call the speaker back. It is a common way to ask for a callback, often used in voicemail messages or written communication. Ludwig confirms its common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Science

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "return my call" is a common and grammatically correct way to ask someone to call you back. Ludwig highlights its frequent use in News & Media contexts. While appropriate for both professional and personal communication, consider the level of formality required by the specific situation. For more formal requests, phrases like "revert to me" or "contact me" might be more suitable. When leaving a message requesting a callback, be clear about your identity and the reason for your call. Remember to allow sufficient time for the person to respond before following up.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

call me back

Uses a more direct and simpler verb phrase.

give me a call back

Adds 'give me' to emphasize the action requested.

phone me back

Replaces 'call' with the synonym 'phone'.

get back to me

More general; doesn't necessarily imply a phone call.

respond to my call

More formal and emphasizes the act of responding.

reply to my message

Broader, encompasses different forms of communication.

answer my call

Focuses on the action of answering the phone.

ring me back

Uses the British English term 'ring' for 'call'.

contact me later

A general request for future contact.

revert to me at your earliest convenience

Very formal, suitable for professional communication.

FAQs

What does "return my call" mean?

The phrase "return my call" means to call someone back who has previously contacted you, usually by phone, leaving a message or missed call.

How to politely ask someone to "return my call"?

You can politely ask someone to "return my call" by saying, "Please "call me back" when you have a moment" or "I would appreciate it if you could "return my call" at your earliest convenience."

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "return my call"?

It's appropriate to use "return my call" in both professional and personal contexts when you need someone to contact you by phone. It's suitable for voicemails, emails, or text messages.

What is a more formal way to say "return my call"?

A more formal way to say "return my call" is "Please "revert to me" at your earliest convenience" or "Kindly "contact me" regarding this matter."