Crossword Genius

He will shortly ring - to say this? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

hello

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'ring to say this?' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'he will shortly' is the wordplay.
'will' becomes ''ll' (contracted form, as in 'he'll' - 'he will').
'shortly' becomes 'o' (I can't explain this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'he'+'ll'+'o'='HELLO'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for hello that I've seen before include "Conversation starter" , "Welcome" , "royals dominate its pages?" , "opener?" , "Surprised cry" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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