word choice - "Call me through/at/on this number"


What is the difference between the following when referring to telephone calls?



Please call me on this number. You can reach me on this number.


Please call me at this number. You can reach me at 0088000900.


Please call me through this number. You can reach us through this number.



Are they interchangeable? Which one would sound more natural and accurate?



Answer





  • Please call me on this number. You can reach me on this number.



Acceptable everywhere, principally used in UK/Australia/New Zealand. Sounds strange to North American ears, but understood.




  • Please call me at this number. You can reach me at 0088000900.



Acceptable everywhere, principally used in US/Canada. Might sound strange to English speakers outside North America, but widely understood.




  • Please call me through this number. You can reach us through this number.



Usually used when the caller will need to speak to an intermediary before being connected to the desired party (such as when a receptionist answers all incoming calls). Not generally used when the number connects directly to the desired party (which is "DID" Direct Inward Dial in North America, and "DDI" Direct Dial-In elsewhere).


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