Toll-free
adj.kind, hopefulprofessional
What it means
Allowing the caller to make a telephone call without paying the call charge.
Reach for it when describing a phone service whose calling cost is borne elsewhere
A toll-free number connected displaced residents with housing advisers day and night.
Choose between these
5- playful
800 number
when North American shorthand matches the actual numbering plan
not when Not every toll-free code is 800, and other countries use different systems.
- everyday
freephone
when British usage for a no-charge telephone service fits
not when Freephone is regional and can also function as a service name.
- warm
free to call
when plain language for the caller's cost is best
not when Free to call sounds clumsy before a noun and may omit carrier exceptions.
- professional
no-charge hotline
when the support function matters alongside the price
not when A hotline suggests urgent assistance and is not any toll-free line.
- formal
caller-paid-free
when the cost allocation needs explicit explanation
not when This constructed phrase is precise but not natural English.
Said against
3- premium-rate
- caller-paid
- chargeable
It naturally appears in
3- toll-free number
The card prints a toll-free number in large type.
- toll-free helpline
A toll-free helpline gave farmers weather and crop advice.
- toll-free call
Each toll-free call routes to the nearest staffed center.
Usage notes
A toll-free service may still use minutes or incur roaming charges under some calling plans.