phone 1
She phoned to the hospital to ask about her husband.
She phoned the hospital to ask about her husband. Just phone to 555-879 and
I’ll come and get you.
Just phone 555-879 and I’ll come and get you. phone/telephone/ring/call a person/place/number (WITHOUT to ): ‘You must promise to phone me as soon as you get there.’ Note that speakers of American English do not use ring for this meaning. 2
I talked to him for a longtime by phone last night.
I talked to him for a long time on/over the phone last night. In British English the phrase is (talk/speak to sb) on/over the phone (NOT by phone): ‘He didn’t want to discuss it over the phone.’ Note that in American English both by phone and on/over the phone are used, although by phone is not common. piano See PLAY picnic 1
We decided to make a picnic in the field opposite the house.
We decided to have a picnic in the field opposite the house. See Language Note at DO 2
On our day off, we went picnic.
On our day off, we went on a picnic. go on/for a picnic (NOT go picnic/go to/on picnic: ‘The last time I went on a picnic I was chased by a bull.’ ‘Lucy loves going on picnics.’ piece The pencils were free and so I took two pieces.
The pencils were free and so I took two.
