Ever received a call and wondered, “What’s this about?” Whether you’re trying to be polite, playful, or professional, there are countless ways to ask why someone reached out. Sometimes, you may want to keep things lighthearted, while other times, you might need a more direct approach.
Here’s a guide to 60 unique ways to ask someone why they called You. We’ll cover a range of phrases, perfect for different situations, from casual to formal.
By the end of this list, you’ll have plenty of fresh ways to answer that ringing phone with style!
List of Ways to Ask Someone Why They Called You
Here are 60 unique ways to ask someone why they called you:
- What’s up?
- What’s the occasion?
- What’s happening?
- What’s the good word?
- What can I do for you?
- What’s the scoop?
- What’s going on?
- What’s the news?
- What brings you to my line?
- What’s the reason for this pleasant surprise?
- What’s cooking?
- What prompted the call?
- What’s shaking?
- What’s on your mind?
- How can I assist you?
- What’s new with you?
- What’s the story?
- What’s the matter?
- What’s your inquiry?
- What can I help you with?
- What’s the buzz?
- What’s up in your world?
- What’s the deal?
- What’s the matter?
- What’s the word on the street?
- What’s got you reaching out?
- What’s the latest?
- What’s the update?
- What’s the lowdown?
- What’s your request?
- What’s going on in your world?
- What’s driving the call?
- What’s the urgency?
- What’s the agenda?
- What’s your query?
- What’s on your radar?
- What’s the issue?
- What’s on the docket?
- What’s the haps?
- What’s the problem?
- What’s your concern?
- What’s the fuss about?
- What’s the big idea?
- What’s the mission?
- What’s the project?
- What’s the game plan?
- What’s the scoop?
- What’s your business?
- What’s the intention?
- What’s the question?
- What’s the objective?
- What’s the situation?
- What’s the predicament?
- What’s the challenge?
- What’s the purpose?
- What’s the inquiry?
- What’s your call about?
- What’s on your agenda?
- What’s the task at hand?
- What’s the aim of your call?
1. What’s up?
Simple and straightforward, this greeting is relaxed and friendly. It’s often used to find out the purpose of a call without coming across as too serious.
Example 1: “Hey there! What’s up? Been a while since we talked.”
Example 2: “Hello! What’s up? Got any exciting news?”
Example 3: “Hey! What’s up? Anything on your mind?”
2. What’s the occasion?
This question suggests that their call might be a pleasant surprise, making it perfect for catching up with someone you haven’t heard from in a while.
Example 1: “Wow, a call from you! What’s the occasion? Feels like it’s been ages!”
Example 2: “Oh, what’s the occasion? I wasn’t expecting this call!”
Example 3: “Hello! What’s the occasion? Is there something special going on?”
3. What’s happening?
A more casual way to ask what’s going on, this phrase invites the caller to share the latest news or reason for the call.
Example 1: “Hey, what’s happening? Any exciting updates?”
Example 2: “What’s happening? Just caught me in the middle of something—what’s up?”
Example 3: “Hey! What’s happening? What’s got you calling today?”
4. What’s the good word?
If you’re in the mood for a classic, this phrase is perfect for finding out what’s new in a warm, conversational way.
Example 1: “Hello there! What’s the good word? Any news?”
Example 2: “What’s the good word? Been a while since I heard from you.”
Example 3: “Hey! What’s the good word? What brings you to my line?”
5. What can I do for you?
This question is versatile—it works for both personal and professional calls. It shows openness and readiness to help.
Example 1: “Hey there! What can I do for you?”
Example 2: “Hello! What can I do for you? How’s everything?”
Example 3: “What can I do for you? Happy to help if I can.”
6. What’s the scoop?
A playful phrase, “What’s the scoop?” invites the caller to spill any interesting news or updates they might have.
Example 1: “Hello! What’s the scoop? Anything exciting to share?”
Example 2: “What’s the scoop? Got some hot news for me?”
Example 3: “Hey, what’s the scoop? You’ve got me curious!”
7. What’s going on?
This is a friendly way to ask what’s happening, especially if you’re not sure what the call might be about.
Example 1: “What’s going on? Hope all’s well with you!”
Example 2: “Hey there! What’s going on? Just checking in on you.”
Example 3: “What’s going on? Been a while since we talked!”
8. What’s the news?
A gentle way to encourage someone to share updates or exciting developments in their life.
Example 1: “Hey, what’s the news? Any interesting updates?”
Example 2: “What’s the news? Haven’t heard from you in a bit!”
Example 3: “Hello! What’s the news? What’s on your radar?”
9. What brings you to my line?
A bit more formal, this question can add a professional touch to your curiosity.
Example 1: “Hello! What brings you to my line?”
Example 2: “Hey there! What brings you to my line today?”
Example 3: “What brings you to my line? Hope all’s well!”
10. What’s the reason for this pleasant surprise?
A warm way to hint that you’re happy to hear from them but still want to know what’s up.
Example 1: “What’s the reason for this pleasant surprise? Always nice to hear from you!”
Example 2: “Hey! What’s the reason for this pleasant surprise?”
Example 3: “What’s the reason for this pleasant surprise? Got some good news?”
11. What’s cooking?
An upbeat phrase that encourages the caller to share any exciting updates or news they might have.
Example 1: “Hey there! What’s cooking? Anything new?”
Example 2: “What’s cooking? Got something fun to share?”
Example 3: “Hello! What’s cooking? What’s new with you?”
12. What prompted the call?
This question is a more direct way of asking why someone reached out, ideal for casual and business settings alike.
Example 1: “What prompted the call? Is there something specific?”
Example 2: “Hello! What prompted the call?”
Example 3: “What prompted the call? Hope all’s well with you.”
13. What’s shaking?
A fun, informal way to find out what’s going on in their life.
Example 1: “Hey! What’s shaking? Been up to anything exciting?”
Example 2: “What’s shaking? It’s great to hear from you.”
Example 3: “Hello there! What’s shaking? What’s new?”
14. What’s on your mind?
This question lets someone know you’re open to listening, whether they have something light or serious to share.
Example 1: “What’s on your mind? Feel free to share.”
Example 2: “Hey! What’s on your mind? Always here for you.”
Example 3: “Hello! What’s on your mind? Got something to discuss?”
15. How can I assist you?
Professional and friendly, this phrase shows you’re ready to help with whatever they need.
Example 1: “How can I assist you? Let me know how I can help.”
Example 2: “Hello! How can I assist you? Anything specific?”
Example 3: “Hey! How can I assist you? Happy to be of service!”
16. What’s new with you?
A warm, inviting way to prompt someone to share any recent happenings.
Example 1: “Hey, what’s new with you? It’s been a bit since we last talked.”
Example 2: “Hello! What’s new with you? Any exciting news?”
Example 3: “What’s new with you? I’m all ears for updates!”
17. What’s the story?
This phrase invites someone to share the background or details of why they called in a casual, friendly way.
Example 1: “Hey! What’s the story? Fill me in on what’s happening.”
Example 2: “What’s the story? I’m curious to know what’s up!”
Example 3: “Hello! What’s the story? Feels like there’s something good behind this call.”
18. What’s the matter?
A slightly more serious phrase that shows concern, perfect for friends who may need support.
Example 1: “What’s the matter? You sound like something might be bothering you.”
Example 2: “Hello! What’s the matter? Anything I can help with?”
Example 3: “Hey! What’s the matter? Always here if you need to talk.”
19. What’s your inquiry?
A formal way to ask what they’re calling about, ideal for business or professional calls.
Example 1: “Hello, what’s your inquiry? I’ll do my best to assist.”
Example 2: “Good afternoon! What’s your inquiry? How may I help you?”
Example 3: “What’s your inquiry? Just let me know what you need!”
20. What can I help you with?
Straightforward and kind, this phrase is polite and perfect for both personal and professional calls.
Example 1: “What can I help you with? Feel free to let me know.”
Example 2: “Hello! What can I help you with? I’m ready to assist.”
Example 3: “What can I help you with? Anything specific on your mind?”
21. What’s the buzz?
An energetic, playful way to find out what’s new or exciting with someone.
Example 1: “Hey there! What’s the buzz? Got any juicy news?”
Example 2: “Hello! What’s the buzz? I’m eager to hear what’s up!”
Example 3: “What’s the buzz? Feels like there’s something interesting to share!”
22. What’s up in your world?
A friendly, conversational way to show interest in what’s happening in their life.
Example 1: “What’s up in your world? Haven’t heard from you in a while!”
Example 2: “Hello! What’s up in your world? How’s everything?”
Example 3: “What’s up in your world? Hope all’s going great for you!”
23. What’s the deal?
A casual and somewhat humorous way to ask what’s going on, perfect for close friends.
Example 1: “Hey! What’s the deal? You sound excited!”
Example 2: “What’s the deal? Got something fun to share?”
Example 3: “Hello! What’s the deal? What’s got you calling today?”
24. What’s the word on the street?
A playful, slightly mysterious way to ask for updates, perfect for close friends.
Example 1: “Hey! What’s the word on the street? Got any news?”
Example 2: “Hello! What’s the word on the street? Anything happening?”
Example 3: “What’s the word on the street? Always fun to hear what’s new!”
25. What’s got you reaching out?
A direct way to ask the reason for the call while still sounding friendly.
Example 1: “What’s got you reaching out? Need help with something?”
Example 2: “Hello! What’s got you reaching out? Hope all’s well.”
Example 3: “What’s got you reaching out? Always happy to hear from you.”
26. What’s the latest?
Perfect for finding out recent updates in someone’s life, this question invites them to share recent news.
Example 1: “What’s the latest? Any big updates?”
Example 2: “Hey! What’s the latest? It’s been a while since we talked!”
Example 3: “Hello! What’s the latest? Got some news to share?”
27. What’s the update?
A more straightforward way to ask if there’s news to share, great for work or personal calls.
Example 1: “What’s the update? Anything new with you?”
Example 2: “Hey there! What’s the update? Curious to know.”
Example 3: “Hello! What’s the update? Any recent news?”
28. What’s the lowdown?
Casual and friendly, “the lowdown” is great for encouraging the caller to share details about their call.
Example 1: “Hey, what’s the lowdown? Anything interesting?”
Example 2: “What’s the lowdown? Haven’t heard from you in a bit!”
Example 3: “Hello! What’s the lowdown? Got some info to share?”
29. What’s your request?
A polite, professional way to find out the reason for the call, especially for work settings.
Example 1: “Hello! What’s your request? How can I assist?”
Example 2: “Good afternoon! What’s your request? Ready to help.”
Example 3: “What’s your request? Feel free to let me know.”
30. What’s going on in your world?
A warm, inviting phrase to learn more about their life or the reason they called.
Example 1: “Hey, what’s going on in your world? Anything exciting?”
Example 2: “What’s going on in your world? Love catching up with you.”
Example 3: “Hello! What’s going on in your world? Anything on your mind?”
31. What’s driving the call?
A straightforward but curious way to prompt someone to share the purpose behind their call.
Example 1: “Hello! What’s driving the call? Is there something exciting to discuss?”
Example 2: “What’s driving the call? Always happy to catch up, but curious to know!”
Example 3: “Hey! What’s driving the call? Got any updates to share?”
32. What’s the urgency?
If the caller seems excited or pressed for time, this question lets you know if it’s something important.
Example 1: “Hello! What’s the urgency? Is there something I can help with right away?”
Example 2: “Hey! What’s the urgency? You sound like you’ve got big news!”
Example 3: “What’s the urgency? Let me know if there’s something pressing.”
33. What’s the agenda?
Perfect for both personal and professional calls, this question hints at the purpose of the conversation.
Example 1: “What’s the agenda? Got some exciting plans to share?”
Example 2: “Hello! What’s the agenda? Looking forward to hearing what’s on your mind.”
Example 3: “Hey there! What’s the agenda? I’m all ears for your updates!”
34. What’s your query?
A formal, polite way to open the call for a specific question or concern.
Example 1: “Good afternoon! What’s your query? I’ll do my best to help.”
Example 2: “What’s your query? Always happy to assist if I can.”
Example 3: “Hello! What’s your query? Just let me know what’s up.”
35. What’s on your radar?
This casual, inviting question shows you’re ready to listen to whatever is on their mind.
Example 1: “What’s on your radar? Anything new going on?”
Example 2: “Hello! What’s on your radar? Excited to hear what’s up.”
Example 3: “What’s on your radar? Let’s talk about what’s been on your mind!”
36. What’s the issue?
A straightforward way to ask if they’re calling with a concern or if there’s something to solve.
Example 1: “What’s the issue? Anything I can help with?”
Example 2: “Hey there! What’s the issue? Here to lend a hand if needed.”
Example 3: “Hello! What’s the issue? I’m all ears to help figure it out.”
37. What’s on the docket?
This fun phrase is a unique way to ask what’s planned or what they need to discuss.
Example 1: “What’s on the docket? Any big updates?”
Example 2: “Hello! What’s on the docket? Ready to catch up!”
Example 3: “What’s on the docket? Fill me in on what’s happening!”
38. What’s the haps?
A relaxed, casual way to ask what’s happening, perfect for close friends or family.
Example 1: “Hey! What’s the haps? Got any cool news?”
Example 2: “What’s the haps? Haven’t heard from you in a bit!”
Example 3: “Hello! What’s the haps? Anything exciting going on?”
39. What’s the problem?
This question shows you’re open to helping with any challenges or issues they might be facing.
Example 1: “What’s the problem? I’m here to listen and help out.”
Example 2: “Hello! What’s the problem? Anything troubling you?”
Example 3: “Hey! What’s the problem? You can always count on me.”
40. What’s your concern?
A caring way to find out if there’s something on their mind that they need to discuss.
Example 1: “Hello! What’s your concern? Always here if you need advice.”
Example 2: “Hey! What’s your concern? Let’s chat it out.”
Example 3: “What’s your concern? I’m all ears to hear what’s going on.”
41. What’s the fuss about?
A light-hearted, playful way to ask what’s happening, especially if they seem particularly eager.
Example 1: “Hey! What’s the fuss about? You sound excited!”
Example 2: “What’s the fuss about? Got something juicy to share?”
Example 3: “Hello! What’s the fuss about? Always fun to hear from you.”
42. What’s the big idea?
A fun and upbeat way to start a conversation, encouraging them to share any interesting plans.
Example 1: “What’s the big idea? I’m curious to hear!”
Example 2: “Hello! What’s the big idea? What’s got you calling today?”
Example 3: “What’s the big idea? You sound like you’ve got a story!”
43. What’s the mission?
This phrase adds a bit of flair, as though they’ve called for an important reason or task.
Example 1: “What’s the mission? Ready for whatever you’ve got in store!”
Example 2: “Hello! What’s the mission? Got an adventure to plan?”
Example 3: “What’s the mission? Tell me how I can assist!”
44. What’s the project?
A great way to show that you’re interested in whatever work, hobby, or idea they might have.
Example 1: “Hello! What’s the project? Love hearing what you’re working on.”
Example 2: “What’s the project? Got a new idea in mind?”
Example 3: “Hey! What’s the project? Tell me everything!”
45. What’s the game plan?
Perfect for a collaborative tone, this phrase implies you’re ready to tackle something together.
Example 1: “What’s the game plan? How can I help out?”
Example 2: “Hello! What’s the game plan? Excited to hear what you’re up to.”
Example 3: “What’s the game plan? Sounds like you’re cooking up something good!”
46. What’s your business?
This phrase offers a fun and slightly cheeky way to ask what the purpose of the call is, whether it’s personal or professional.
Example 1: “Hey there! What’s your business? Got any exciting news for me?”
Example 2: “Hello! What’s your business? What brings you to my phone today?”
Example 3: “What’s your business? Need me for something important?”
47. What’s the intention?
A more formal way of asking why they called, suitable for both business and casual contexts.
Example 1: “Hi! What’s the intention? Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.”
Example 2: “What’s the intention? I’m here for whatever you need to discuss.”
Example 3: “Hello! What’s the intention? Anything specific on your mind?”
48. What’s the question?
A concise and neutral way to prompt someone to get straight to the point. This works well in professional contexts.
Example 1: “What’s the question? I’m happy to help out.”
Example 2: “Hello! What’s the question? Let’s get to it, I’m all ears.”
Example 3: “What’s the question? Ready for your inquiry!”
49. What’s the objective?
A goal-oriented way of asking for the purpose behind the call, suitable for business or planning discussions.
Example 1: “Hi! What’s the objective? What can I do to assist?”
Example 2: “What’s the objective? I’m here to help you get there.”
Example 3: “Hello! What’s the objective? Let’s figure out the next steps.”
50. What’s the situation?
A more neutral and less direct way to ask what’s happening, perfect for any scenario where you need context.
Example 1: “Hey! What’s the situation? What’s going on with you today?”
Example 2: “What’s the situation? I’m ready to hear what’s on your mind.”
Example 3: “Hello! What’s the situation? Let me know how I can help!”
51. What’s the predicament?
This is an interesting way to ask what problem or situation they’re dealing with, with a touch of concern.
Example 1: “Hey! What’s the predicament? You sound like you could use some help.”
Example 2: “What’s the predicament? I’m here if you need assistance!”
Example 3: “Hello! What’s the predicament? Let’s tackle this together!”
52. What’s the challenge?
A great way to show that you’re ready to face whatever task or issue the caller might have.
Example 1: “What’s the challenge? I’m all in if you need support.”
Example 2: “Hello! What’s the challenge? Let’s solve this together.”
Example 3: “Hey there! What’s the challenge? You’ve got my full attention!”
53. What’s the purpose?
A clear, direct way to ask about the reason behind their call, without being overly formal.
Example 1: “Hello! What’s the purpose? What’s going on today?”
Example 2: “What’s the purpose? Looking forward to hearing what’s up!”
Example 3: “Hey! What’s the purpose? I’m happy to listen and help.”
54. What’s the inquiry?
A more formal, yet polite, way to ask why the person is calling and what information they need.
Example 1: “Hi! What’s the inquiry? I’m happy to assist.”
Example 2: “What’s the inquiry? Please feel free to ask me anything!”
Example 3: “Hello! What’s the inquiry? What’s on your mind today?”
55. What’s your call about?
A straightforward, no-nonsense way to ask what the call is in reference to.
Example 1: “Hey! What’s your call about? Anything exciting you want to share?”
Example 2: “What’s your call about? I’m curious to know what’s going on!”
Example 3: “Hello! What’s your call about? Let’s dive right into it!”
56. What’s the scoop?
A friendly and informal way to ask for the details, perfect for catching up with someone.
Example 1: “What’s the scoop? I haven’t heard from you in a while!”
Example 2: “Hey! What’s the scoop? What’s been happening in your world?”
Example 3: “Hello! What’s the scoop? Anything I need to know?”
57. What’s going on in your world?
A more personal and friendly way to ask what the person wants to talk about or what’s new in their life.
Example 1: “What’s going on in your world? I’m curious to know what’s been happening.”
Example 2: “Hey! What’s going on in your world? Fill me in on your latest news.”
Example 3: “Hello! What’s going on in your world? Can’t wait to catch up.”
58. What’s your reason for calling?
A straightforward, no-frills way to inquire about the reason behind their call.
Example 1: “What’s your reason for calling? Let’s get straight to it!”
Example 2: “Hey! What’s your reason for calling? I’m ready to listen.”
Example 3: “Hello! What’s your reason for calling? What’s on your mind?”
59. What’s the update?
Perfect for checking in, especially when you’re expecting news or a follow-up on something important.
Example 1: “Hey! What’s the update? Anything I should know about?”
Example 2: “What’s the update? I’m eager to hear what’s going on.”
Example 3: “Hello! What’s the update? Let’s catch up on the latest news.”
60. What’s the word on the street?
A casual, fun way to ask for the latest news, gossip, or updates.
Example 1: “What’s the word on the street? Got any exciting news to share?”
Example 2: “Hey! What’s the word on the street? Fill me in on what’s happening.”
Example 3: “Hello! What’s the word on the street? I’m curious to hear what’s going on.”
Conclusion
Whether you’re picking up the phone from a close friend, a colleague, or a family member, these 60 unique ways to ask “why they called” will make every conversation start on a memorable note. From lighthearted inquiries to caring and thoughtful responses, you can set the tone just right for any chat.
So, next time you hear that ring, skip the usual “hello” and surprise them with a fresh, friendly way to find out what’s up!
Recent Posts
- 60 Best Words for Describing Someone Who is Very Good at Their Job
- Top 60 Funny Ways to Answer “Why Not?”
- Top 60 New Ways to Say “Looking Forward to Seeing You”
- 60 Perfect Replies When Someone Says “It’s Been a While”
- 60 Funniest Ways to Respond to “Guess Who?” Messages
- 60 Thoughtful Responses for When Someone Says You Inspire Them
- 60 Unique Responses When Someone Says “Just Got Home From Work’’
- 100 Clever Responses When Someone Asks “What’s Good?”
Leave a Comment