“Call Me At” Or “Call Me On”? Here’s The Difference (+18 Examples)

British English and American English come with a few differences that are notable daily. If you were to call a native up from each country and ask for a number to call them on, you might get a different response from each. Let’s look at the differences between call me at or call me on and see who uses what.

Is It “Call Me At” Or “Call Me On”?

Call me at should be used when asking someone to call you at a number in American English. Call me on should be used when asking someone to call you on a number in British English. Both are acceptable in both languages, though Americans often find “call me on this number” to sound strange and British people often find “call me at this number” to sound strange.

Is “Call Me At” And “Call Me On” Used Differently In American English And British English?

As we’ve stated already, “call me at” and “call me on” are used differently based on where you are in the world. American English users will say “call me at this number” if they’re asked to give a number over the phone for the other party to call them on. It’s worth mentioning that this is common practice in Canadian English, too (even though they typically follow British English rules for other grammar rules).

In British English, “call me on this number” is used in the same way as “call me at” is used in American English. If someone asks for a number to call a British person back on, they would say “call me on this number” to give it to them. Other English-speaking countries like Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand also use it in this manner. It is the more widely accepted way to say it across the world.

However, both phrases are acceptable no matter where you are in the world. British English will accept “call me at this number” but might disagree with it, and American English will accept “call me on this number” but might disagree with that. It depends on who you speak to.

If I Am Not From Either The UK Or The US – Should I Use “Call Me At” Or “Call Me Through”?

If you’re not from either of the main countries, we listed (including the other English-speaking ones), then you might be lost as to which phrase works best for you. Typically, non-English-speaking countries follow British English rules when they are learning the language. This is because British English has the furthest grasp and understanding globally, so it makes sense to learn this variation if you’re practicing.

However, it mostly comes down to personal preference. For example, if you’re predominantly learning English to communicate or work with Americans, then you’ll want to learn the American English variation “call me at.” If you’re learning English simply for fun, communicating with English speakers around the world, or working in Britain, then “call me on” is the answer for you.

When Should I Use “Call Me Through”?

There’s one other saying that you might come across. “Call me through” is used in the same way whether you’re using American English or British English. Basically, “call me through” is used when you need a secondary number (or intermediary number) that someone must ring before they can get to you.

For example, if you’re working at a school, they might need to call the school and ask specifically for you. To get them to know this, you would say, “call me through the school if you need me.”

6 Examples Of How To Use “Call Me At”

Now let’s look at some examples of each. We’ll start with “call me at,” which is the American English variation that we are using. As we’ve previously stated, the American English and British English spellings vary only on the words “at” and “on.” Everything else means the same thing, so the examples we’re about to provide will look the same for both “call me at” and “call me on.”

  1. Call me at this number if you need me.
  2. You can call me at my home number.
  3. You can call me at my number.
  4. Call me at this number when you’re ready.
  5. If you’re interested, call me at this number.
  6. Okay, call me at my friend’s number when you’re here.

6 Examples Of How To Use “Call Me On”

  1. “Call me on” will have very similar examples to “call me at,” so we won’t bore you with any further explanations!Call me on this number when you’re ready to talk.
  2. Call me on my dad’s number because my phone is dead.
  3. Please call me on this number when you hear back.
  4. Can you call me on this number?
  5. Call me on my home number with your answer.
  6. Call me on my mobile when you’re ready to buy.

6 Examples Of How To Use “Call Me Through”

Finally, let’s look at how “call me through” is used. Again, we use this when we’re going through a particular directory or address before we can directly call the person we’re asking for. These examples will show you exactly what we mean when we say that. This is the least common way to state your number, but it still might pop up!

  1. Call me through the school if you need me.
  2. Call me through work when you want help.
  3. Call me through the office.
  4. Call me through the restaurant.
  5. Call me through the center when you’re here.
  6. Call me through the hospital if anything worsens.

Alternative Ways Of Stating Your Number

There are a few alternative ways to state your number in a phone call that doesn’t differ based on language. However, all of these alternatives come with the same issue. In American English, we use “at” to state our number, but in British English, they always use “on.” You still have to learn those language rules before you attempt any of these alternatives!

  • You can reach me at/on
  • You can find me at/on
  • Give me a ring at/on
  • Ping me at/on
  • Find me at/on

You may also like: 10 Better Ways To Say “Call Me When You Are Available”