a call to action

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a call to action" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to motivate someone to act on something, or when you want to emphasize the need for action. For example, "We must take action to protect the environment - this is a call to action for us all."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This article is a call to action.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It was a call to action.

Stanford University

This is a call to action!

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It is a call to action.

The New York Times

A crisis is a call to action.

The New York Times

Is that a call to action?

The New York Times

Each concludes with a call to action.

MIT Technology Review

Have you included a call to action?

Harvard Business Review

The vigil was a call to action.

The Washington Post

This leaning banner looks like a call to action.

Independent

The book, Larsen explained, was a "call to action".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a call to action" to conclude presentations, marketing materials, or persuasive writing, ensuring the audience knows the specific steps you want them to take.

Common error

Avoid using "a call to action" excessively; instead, vary your language with alternatives like "an appeal for action" or "an invitation to action" to maintain audience engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a call to action" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies a statement or initiative designed to motivate an audience to take specific, purposeful steps towards achieving a particular goal, such as addressing a problem or supporting a cause. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use across various contexts to highlight the urgency and importance of acting.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a call to action" is a versatile and frequently used noun phrase that serves to motivate and persuade an audience to take specific steps toward a desired outcome. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, including news, academia, and business. Its primary purpose is to inspire a sense of urgency and responsibility, encouraging active engagement and contribution. To avoid overuse, consider alternatives such as "an appeal for action" or "an invitation to action".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an appeal for action

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the act of pleading or requesting.

an invitation to action

This alternative suggests a welcoming or encouraging tone.

a summons to act

This alternative has a more authoritative and demanding tone.

an urge to mobilize

This alternative emphasizes the act of organizing and preparing for action.

a plea for change

This alternative highlights the desire for transformation or improvement.

a rallying cry

This alternative evokes a sense of unity and collective purpose.

a demand for intervention

This alternative emphasizes the necessity of immediate involvement.

a prompt to engage

This alternative focuses on encouraging participation or involvement.

an instigation to act

This alternative suggests initiating or provoking action.

a push for initiative

This alternative highlights the need for proactive and self-directed action.

FAQs

How can I use "a call to action" in a sentence?

You can use "a call to action" to emphasize the need for immediate and decisive action. For example, "The environmental report served as "a call to action" for governments worldwide".

What are some alternatives to "a call to action"?

You can use alternatives like "an appeal for action", "an invitation to action", or "a summons to act" depending on the specific context and tone you want to convey.

Is "call for action" grammatically correct?

While "call for action" is understandable, ""a call to action"" is the more common and grammatically standard form, especially in formal writing.

How do I create an effective "call to action" in marketing?

An effective "call to action" should be clear, concise, and compelling. It should tell your audience exactly what you want them to do, such as "Sign up now", "Learn more", or "Donate today".