Phone and video calls are hard in any second language. The sound cuts out, and everyone talks at once. British families use short, fixed phrases for these problems: "You're breaking up", "You're on mute", "I'll ring you back". In this episode: • Call problems • Catching up • Talking with older relatives • Ending the call • Listening lab • Practice • Self-check questions with answers Key phrases from this episode: Can you hear me? — is the sound working? I can't hear you. — no sound is coming through You're breaking up. — your sound keeps cutting out You've frozen. — your picture has stopped moving You're on mute. — your microphone is off Can you see me now? — is my picture working? The signal's terrible here. — the connection is bad Hold the phone up. — lift it so we can see your face I'll ring you back. — I'll end this call and call you again How are you keeping? — how are you? (friendly, often to older people) What have you been up to? — what have you been doing lately? Not much, really. — nothing special We've been really busy. — a very common answer Any news? — has anything happened? Say hello to Nan! — greet her (to a child) Wave to Grandad! — move your hand to greet him Show Nan your drawing! — hold it up to the camera Oh, he's got so big! — said about a growing child Sorry, Nan, I'll say that again. — repeat kindly Can you hear me alright now? — check the sound Just tap the red button, Grandad. — help with the technology No rush, take your time. — be patient That's it, perfect! — encouragement It's lovely to see you. — a warm comment I'd better go. — I need to finish the call Real British English: the complete spoken course for learners worldwide — modern British accent, everyday grammar, phrasal verbs, idioms, slang, he/she/it for things, and real conversations at home. Listen, repeat out loud, then take the 52-question quiz. Audio voiced with AI from an original script by Dr. Rashmi R Nair.