a calls on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a calls on" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be intended to convey that someone is making a request or summoning someone, but it lacks clarity and proper structure. Example: "The committee calls on all members to participate in the upcoming meeting."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

We went on to explain that a "motion to transfer under § 1404(a)... calls on the district court to weigh in the balance a number of case-specific factors" and that the "presence of a forum-selection clause... will be a significant factor that figures centrally in the district court's calculus". Id., at 29, 108 S.Ct.

Harvard University

The most noise-robust, error-resistant strategy for A is to delay its call and signal exactly halfway between B and C; A calls, on average, in an 'acoustically dense' time period.

Biology Letters

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

You can take a call on one network and put it on hold when a call on the other network comes through.

The Economist

When Wall Street comes-a-calling on public pensions, fuggetaboutit.

Forbes

It is hard for a visitor to the US to make a call on this one.

Independent

She calls on a lucky boy.

The Economist

He made a call on his mobile.

Independent

In effect, WeatherIze owns a call on a call.

Harvard Business Review

2) Offer to make a call on someone's behalf.

Yale University

The break came with a call on July 24.

The New York Times

Father Timone did not return a call on Monday.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, replace "a calls on" with more direct and grammatically sound alternatives like "requests" or "summons" to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a calls on" if you intend to say someone is making a phone call or a visit. Use "makes a call to" or "visits" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a calls on" functions as a verb phrase where "a" acts as a subject, 'calls' as the verb, and 'on' as a preposition creating a phrasal verb. According to Ludwig, this phrase isn't grammatically correct. However, the examples shows its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Academia

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a calls on" presents grammatical challenges, as noted by Ludwig AI, which suggests that the phrase is not correct in standard written English. While the examples does show some presence in academic, news, and scientific sources, it's crucial to consider the potential for misinterpretation. Using clearer alternatives such as "a requests" or "a summons", as suggested by Ludwig, ensures effective communication and avoids ambiguity. The overall frequency is rare, so one should consider different options.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a requests

Replaces the idiomatic "calls on" with a more direct synonym, focusing on the act of asking.

a summons

Emphasizes the authoritative or formal nature of the call or request.

a visits

Replaces "calls on" with a direct action of paying a visit.

a asks for

Focuses on the act of seeking something from someone.

a appeals to

Highlights the persuasive or emotional aspect of the request.

a invokes

Implies a formal or legalistic calling upon.

a solicits

Suggests a polite or formal request for something.

a implores

Emphasizes the urgency or desperation of the request.

a demands

Highlights the authoritative or forceful nature of the call.

a places a call to

Replaces the idiomatic expression with the more literal action of initiating a phone call

FAQs

What does "calls on" usually mean?

Generally, "calls on" means to ask someone to do something, to visit someone, or to invoke something such as a law or principle. For example: 'The teacher calls on students to answer questions.'

Is "calls on" formal or informal?

"Calls on" is generally considered neutral in tone, suitable for both formal and informal contexts depending on the surrounding language. In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "requests" or "summons".

How to use "calls on" in a sentence?

You can use "calls on" to mean 'requests', 'visits', or 'invokes'. Examples: 'The president calls on Congress to act' (requests), 'The diplomat calls on the ambassador' (visits), 'The lawyer calls on the Fifth Amendment' (invokes).

What's the difference between "calls on" and "requests from"?

"Calls on" implies a more general appeal or invocation, while "requests from" is more specific about seeking something directly from a person or entity. You might "call on" the public for support, but "request support from" specific individuals.