What is the difference between these two phrases: 1) On the phone and, 2) Over the phone? Do native speakers of English prefer “On the phone” to “Over the phone”? Reacting to the use of ‘Over the phone’ in the sentence Never have I discussed the matter over the phone in my last week’s column, TH Lawrence, a regular reader and critic of this column, sent in this comment: “…about the usage ‘Over the phone’. Of course, most of us (Indians) tend to say so. But the native users confirm it as ‘On the phone’. So does grammar. Could you please examine it.”
I had the experience of working with native speakers of English for five years and I have been in touch with some American, Australian and British friends for over 15 years. I have heard them use the phrases ‘On the phone’ and ‘Over the phone’ and I have also come across these phrases in many news reports and articles written by native speakers of English. Very recently, when I sent in the query to Timothy Biles, my English friend for over 25 years, he promptly sent this reply:
Both phrases are used in a casual manner and are quite acceptable. However, to be strictly correct I think being ‘On’ the phone refers to the present tense, now: ‘I am on the phone’ while ‘over’ refers to a past (or future) conversation: ‘I will discuss it over the phone’ or ‘I have discussed it over the phone’. But this is pedantic, either is ok. In fact I’ve never thought about it before!
This explanation may be convincing. When someone (Peter) is using (speaking to someone) the phone we can say: Peter is on the phone. When the emphasis is on the mode of communication we can say: Peter discussed the matter over the phone.
Yes, both the phrases are quite acceptable in British as well as American English as in the following examples:
• Quitting a job over the phone isn’t the most polite way to quit. However, if you are unable to resign in person, quitting over the phone or via email is alternative.
• Legal Aid NSW has a number of specialist services that provide help over the phone.
• US President Barack Obama has said that he has spoken over the phone with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani.
Here are some example sentences of the use of the phrase “On the phone”:
• Tomorrow I have a job interview on the phone.
• We are organizing a workshop on ‘How to speak professionally on the phone?’
• Is she still on the phone?
• Read this interesting article on ‘Reasons to avoid talking on the phone’.
My free time at home is usually spent emailing, listening to music, reading and talking on the phone. I wish I was on the phone less, but I have been fortunate to stay in touch with so many incredible friends
— Steve Nash
— rayanal@yahoo.co.uk