How may I direct your call? vs How may I help you?

[Milla]

Business Idiom in English, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #112 "Placing an order via phone", question 1

Receptionist 1: Thank you for calling ABC Inc., this is Mary. How may I ......... your call?

(a) send
(b) drive
(c) pass
(d) direct

Business Idiom in English, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #112 "Placing an order via phone", answer 1

Receptionist 1: Thank you for calling ABC Inc., this is Mary. How may I direct your call?

Correct answer: (d) direct
_________________________

what don't you use how may I help you?

Milla

[Toefl]

[Lost_Soul]

Help is too general verb. You can direct somebody's call, you can get down a message, you can give some advice - all these actions fall under one verb - help. Apparently that receptionist can only direct calls
_________________
Alex

How much upchuck would a woodchuck upchuck if a woodchuck could upchuck ?

(a guy from Russia)

[Mister Micawber]

.
In my experience, Milla, 'How may I help you?' or 'May I help you?' is indeed the common phrase used by receptionists. In fact, I have never heard 'How may I direct your call?' in any calls I have made.
.
_________________
Canadian-American native speaker
who teaches English for a living at Mister Micawber's
ESL cafe: Interview with Mr. Micawber

[Toefl]

[Mister Micawber]

.