I call for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I call for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you are requesting or demanding something, often in a formal or authoritative context. Example: "I call for immediate action to address the environmental crisis we are facing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I call for help.

The New York Times

I call for the waiter.

The New York Times

I call for more information.

The New Yorker

I call for a moratorium on moratoriums.

Nature

HomeWho can I call for help?

Cornell University

How could I call for help?

Harvard Business Review

"I call for a taxicab," he said.

The New York Times

I call for vigilance, unity and mobilisation".

The Guardian

"I call for Israel to reconsider this decision".

The New York Times

And I call for help some of the time".

The New Yorker

I call for a substantive open discourse and progress on these challenges and their integration into ecological engineering practice.

Ecological Engineering

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I call for" when you want to express a formal request or demand, particularly in professional or public contexts. Ensure your tone matches the gravity of your request.

Common error

Avoid using "I call for" in casual conversations. It can sound overly dramatic or pretentious. Opt for more natural phrases like "I suggest" or "I think we should" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I call for" functions as a performative utterance, where the act of saying it performs the action of requesting or demanding something. As shown by Ludwig, this phrase is often used to express a formal request or demand in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I call for" is a versatile expression used to convey a formal request or demand. Ludwig's analysis indicates that it is grammatically correct and frequently employed, particularly in news, science, and business contexts. While "I call for" is considered perfectly acceptable, be mindful of your audience and context: in more casual scenarios, alternatives such as "I suggest" or "I recommend" may be more appropriate. The expression is common across authoritative sources, indicating its widespread and accepted use in formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I urge

Emphasizes a strong recommendation or encouragement, less formal than a direct demand.

I request

A more polite and formal way of asking for something.

I advocate

Suggests public support for a particular cause or policy.

I propose

Introduces a plan or suggestion for consideration.

I recommend

Suggests a course of action based on expertise or knowledge.

I demand

Conveys a forceful and authoritative requirement.

I appeal for

Makes a serious or urgent request, often for aid or support.

I implore

Expresses a desperate or heartfelt request.

I suggest

Offers a possibility or course of action for consideration.

I move that

Formal way to introduce a motion in a meeting or formal setting.

FAQs

How can I use "I call for" in a sentence?

You can use "I call for" to express a strong request or demand. For example, "I call for immediate action on climate change" or "I call for a thorough investigation into the matter".

What can I say instead of "I call for"?

You can use alternatives like "I urge", "I request", or "I recommend" depending on the context. /s/I+urge, /s/I+request, /s/I+recommend express different levels of formality and urgency.

Is it appropriate to use "I call for" in informal settings?

While grammatically correct, "I call for" is generally better suited for formal contexts. In informal situations, consider using phrases like "I suggest" or "I think we should".

What's the difference between "I call for" and "I suggest"?

"I call for" implies a stronger demand or request, often in a public or formal setting. "I suggest" is a milder way to offer a recommendation or idea.