a reporter called

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a reporter called" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an instance where a journalist made a phone call, typically to gather information or conduct an interview. Example: "Earlier today, a reporter called to ask about our company's recent developments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Then a reporter called.

The New York Times - Sports

"When a reporter called me," Riordan replied.

The New Yorker

Then on Thursday, a reporter called with questions.

The New York Times

A reporter called to tell him he had won.

The New York Times - Arts

"Will you win Florida?" a reporter called out.

The New York Times

He said he had not heard about the recall until a reporter called him on Wednesday.

The New York Times

When a reporter called after Mr. O'Connor died in 2001, her response was swift.

The New York Times

A reporter called out, with whatever sardonic intent, that she should be invited to speak.

The New Yorker

When a reporter called Mr. Johnson for a response, he didn't hold back.

The New York Times - Style

Karaan Rocco was not available when a reporter called the other night.

The New York Times

If a reporter called her office, she called back on their cellphone: "Hi, this is Sarah".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider specifying the reporter's affiliation (e.g., "a New York Times reporter called") for added context and credibility.

Common error

Avoid using overly casual alternatives like "a news person hit me up" in formal writing; stick to neutral or professional terms like "a journalist contacted" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a reporter called" functions as a statement of fact, indicating that a journalist made contact via telephone. It sets the stage for further information about the reason for the call, the person contacted, or the outcome of the conversation. Ludwig AI confirms this aligns with examples where the phrase introduces subsequent events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a reporter called" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate that a journalist contacted someone. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's most frequently found in news and media contexts and serves to introduce a piece of information, explain an event, or set the stage for further details. While generally neutral in tone, consider more formal alternatives like "a journalist contacted" for academic or professional settings. When using the phrase, be sure to provide context, such as the reporter's affiliation and the purpose of the call. This phrase has a neutral register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a journalist contacted

Replaces "reporter" with "journalist", emphasizing the professional aspect of the role. It's a synonymous alternative with minimal change in meaning.

a news reporter reached out

Adds "news" to specify the type of reporter, and uses "reached out" for a slightly more modern, informal tone.

the media inquired

Shifts the focus to the media as a whole, rather than an individual reporter. This alternative is more generic.

a member of the press phoned

Uses more formal language ("member of the press", "phoned") for a more traditional feel.

an interviewer rang

Highlights the interview aspect of the call. Shifts the focus on a specific action.

press representatives called

Similar to "the media inquired", this focuses on the press as a collective.

the journalist got in touch

Emphasizes the act of establishing contact, regardless of the method.

a reporter made contact

Focuses on establishing contact, removing the specific action of calling.

a reporter was on the line

Indicates the reporter was available for communication via telephone.

a correspondent reached out

Substitutes "reporter" with "correspondent", implying reporting from a specific location or on a particular subject.

FAQs

How can I use "a reporter called" in a sentence?

You can use "a reporter called" to indicate that a journalist contacted someone, usually to gather information or request an interview. For instance, "The company's stock price dropped after "a reporter called" to inquire about the CEO's resignation."

What's a more formal alternative to "a reporter called"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "a journalist contacted" or "a member of the press inquired". These options maintain professionalism and clarity.

Is it ever appropriate to use "a reporter called" in academic writing?

While "a reporter called" is generally acceptable, it may be more appropriate to use a more formal construction in academic writing, such as "a journalist contacted the researchers for comment".

What information should I include after stating "a reporter called"?

After stating "a reporter called", it's helpful to include additional context, such as the reporter's name, the news organization they represent, and the purpose of their call.