I called to him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I called to him" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing an action of summoning or getting someone's attention from a distance. Example: "As he walked away, I called to him, hoping he would turn back and listen."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

I called to him.

The New Yorker

"What time do you have?" I called to him.

The New York Times

My own brother merely shrugged when I called to him from the back door.

The New Yorker

When I reached my office, an older worker passed me and I called to him.

The New York Times

"He'd come over when I called to him in the pasture," Kaibazawa said.

The New York Times - Sports

I called to him again, but he crouched down suddenly, as though startled, and stayed there.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

"It's probably going to rain this afternoon," I call to him and point to the heavy clouds rolling off the distant mountains.

The New York Times - Travel

After my positive diagnosis, I called to tell him.

The New York Times - Magazine

Cadwalader was stunned when I called to tell him that the N.C.A.A. said he was wrong.

The New York Times

I called to tell him I wanted to spend the night at his apartment instead.

The Guardian

I was not asleep, however, and called to him.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone and formality of your writing. "I called to him" is generally neutral, but alternatives like "I hailed him" might add a touch of formality.

Common error

Avoid using "I called to him" when you simply mean you telephoned him. Use "I called him" in such cases. The "to" indicates a physical calling across a space.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I called to him" functions as a declarative statement describing an action. The verb "called" indicates the act of vocally addressing someone, and the preposition "to" specifies the direction or target of the call, highlighting the intent to reach a specific person. The use of Ludwig examples validates the common usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

10%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I called to him" is a grammatically sound and relatively common phrase used to describe an attempt to verbally gain someone's attention, often from a distance. As Ludwig AI validates, this expression fits comfortably into various contexts, particularly in news and media. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, remembering to differentiate it from the more general "I called him", which usually implies a telephone conversation, is important. By understanding its nuances and alternatives, writers can effectively convey their intended meaning and enhance the clarity of their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I shouted at him

Emphasizes a louder vocalization to gain attention.

I yelled to him

Similar to 'shouted', but can imply urgency or distress.

I hailed him

Implies a formal or traditional way of calling out.

I hollered at him

Suggests a more casual or informal shout.

I beckoned to him

Uses a gesture instead of voice to summon someone.

I spoke to him from afar

Highlights the distance between the speaker and the listener.

I tried to get his attention

Focuses on the attempt to gain attention, regardless of method.

I addressed him

Implies a direct communication, not necessarily from a distance.

I summoned him

Suggests a formal request or command for someone to come.

I alerted him

Focuses on warning him about something or pointing his attention to something.

FAQs

How can I use "I called to him" in a sentence?

Use "I called to him" when you want to express that you attempted to get someone's attention from a distance by shouting or raising your voice. For example: "I saw him walking away, so "I called to him", but he didn't hear me."

What are some alternatives to "I called to him"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "I shouted at him", "I hailed him", or "I beckoned to him" to convey a similar meaning with slight nuances.

Is it more formal to say "I called him" or "I called to him"?

"I called him" generally refers to a phone call or a general act of contacting someone. "I called to him" specifically means you were trying to get someone's attention from a distance, and it's not inherently more or less formal.

What's the difference between "I called him" and "I called to him"?

"I called him" typically means you contacted him by telephone or another communication method. ""I called to him"" means you verbally called out to him, usually from a distance. The presence of "to" indicates a physical act of calling out.