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Related topics: British English formalTCT to talk to someone by telephone [= phone, call]: 
Sammy telephoned to say that he would be late.I'll telephone you later.
Sammy telephoned to say that he would be late.I'll telephone you later.WORD CHOICE: 
WORD CHOICE:
call, phone, telephone, ringIn spoken English, it is usual to say that you call or phone someone • He calls me almost every day. • Phone me when you get there.In spoken British English, it is also very usual to say that you ring someone • Have you rung Kim yet?It is fairly formal and not very usual in spoken English to say that you telephone someone.!! Do not say that you 'call to' someone • I called him (NOT called to him) to let him know.!! There is no verb 'phone call' • I need to call (NOT to phone call) Monica.You can also say that you give someone a (phone) call or, in British English, give them a ring • Give me a call sometime. • I think I'll give Mum a ring.!! Do not say 'give someone a phone'. ➔ See also call
WORD CHOICE: call, phone, telephone, ringIn spoken English, it is usual to say that you call or phone someone • He calls me almost every day. • Phone me when you get there.In spoken British English, it is also very usual to say that you ring someone • Have you rung Kim yet?It is fairly formal and not very usual in spoken English to say that you telephone someone.!! Do not say that you 'call to' someone • I called him (NOT called to him) to let him know.!! There is no verb 'phone call' • I need to call (NOT to phone call) Monica.You can also say that you give someone a (phone) call or, in British English, give them a ring • Give me a call sometime. • I think I'll give Mum a ring.!! Do not say 'give someone a phone'. ➔ See also call
