[Grammar] How can I call you?

[Kenneth_Wai]

Hi all,

When I say "How can I call you?", am I requesting your phone number or your name?

Really, I got confused already for a long period.
But certainly, I know that I could directly say " what is your number/name".:lol:

Thanks.

 

[probus]

"How can I call you" might mean "what is your phone number", but just barely, not naturally. It could never mean "what is your name?"

In AmE we say " How can I contact you?" or "reach you" or "get in touch with you". And the answer might be an e-mail address rather than a phone number.

 

[Matthew Wai]

It could never mean "what is your name?"

Could "what should I call you?" mean so?

 

[Rover_KE]

Yes.

 

[Tdol]

Could "what should I call you?" mean so?

It could also be used when you know their name but are not sure whether to use the first name or family name.