Ask a Question

(Create a thread)
Go Back   Spanish language learning forums > Spanish & English Languages > Grammar


I Can't Come/Get To The Phone Right Now

 

This is the place for questions about conjugations, verb tenses, adverbs, adjectives, word order, syntax and other grammar questions for English or Spanish.


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old May 25, 2020, 08:14 PM
Bobbert's Avatar
Bobbert Bobbert is offline
Pearl
 
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Southwestern USA
Posts: 281
Native Language: American English
Bobbert is on a distinguished road
I Can't Come/Get To The Phone Right Now

On my voice mail, I normally record:

En este momento, no puedo ponerme al telefono

But if I want to use the verb “atender,” which way, if any, is normal and correct?

En este momento, no puedo atender el telefono
En este momento, no puedo atender al telefono
En este momento, no puedo atenderle al telefono


Thanks in advance for any help.
Reply With Quote
   
Get rid of these ads by registering for a free Tomísimo account.
  #2  
Old May 26, 2020, 01:22 PM
AngelicaDeAlquezar's Avatar
AngelicaDeAlquezar AngelicaDeAlquezar is offline
Obsidiana
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Mexico City
Posts: 9,038
Native Language: Mexican Spanish
AngelicaDeAlquezar is on a distinguished road
Some extra possibilities:
- No puedo contestar/responder/atender la llamada/el teléfono.

Side note: "Ponerse al teléfono" may be understood in context, but it's never used in Mexico.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bobbert View Post
En este momento, no puedo atender el teléfono
En este momento, no puedo atender al telefono
(This is not a person or an animal. Unless you have an affective relationship with the phone, "al" is not acceptable.)
En este momento, no puedo atenderle al telefono (This wouldn't make sense. The indirect object pronoun is not a companion of "atender" in this context.)
__________________
Ain't it wonderful to be alive when the Rock'n'Roll plays...
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old May 26, 2020, 01:57 PM
Bobbert's Avatar
Bobbert Bobbert is offline
Pearl
 
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Southwestern USA
Posts: 281
Native Language: American English
Bobbert is on a distinguished road
Thank you, Angelica.

Your added comments are always helpful and appreciated. Now I can record my new voice mail and know it is correct.
Reply With Quote
Reply

 

Link to this thread
URL: 
HTML Link: 
BB Code: 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Site Rules

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Darken the phone Xinfu Grammar 2 March 28, 2015 08:24 PM
Answering the phone Caballero Vocabulary 10 May 23, 2011 11:15 AM
Al telefono / on the phone ROBINDESBOIS Idioms & Sayings 3 May 14, 2010 05:25 AM
Phone call geeper Practice & Homework 32 October 31, 2008 03:07 PM


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 04:39 AM.

Forum powered by vBulletin® Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.

X