1. Can I say who is calling please?
2. Who's calling please? (telephone conversation)
Are both the same? What is the meaning of 'say' in #1? Does it mean 'ask'?
In # 1, we assume that the caller asked to speak with someone else in the home or office. The person who answered the phone is saying that she wants to tell the person who is calling.
1. "Can I say who is calling, please?" and "Who's calling, please?" are similar questions used in telephone conversations to inquire about the identity of the caller. However, there are subtle differences in the meaning and tone of the two phrases.
2. In the second question, "Who's calling, please?" the word "calling" implies that the person is currently making a call or attempting to reach someone. This question is straightforward and direct, simply asking the caller to identify themselves.
3. On the other hand, the first question, "Can I say who is calling, please?", adds an additional layer of politeness and permission. The word "say" in this context means to communicate or announce. By using the word "say" in this question, the speaker is seeking permission to reveal the caller's identity and is implying that they will announce it before connecting the call.
4. Therefore, in question #1, "say" is not equivalent to "ask." Instead, it signifies the intention of verbally communicating or announcing the caller's identity before connecting the call.