a social call

USAGE SUMMARY

"a social call" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a visit or meeting that is primarily for socializing or catching up with someone. Example: "I made a social call to my old college roommate last weekend. We spent hours reminiscing about our college days and catching up on each other's lives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

This is not a social call.

The New York Times

It's partly a social call.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That kind of interview is just a social call, right?

The New York Times

Because this is a social call, Andrea has allowed herself a glass of wine.

The New York Times

I'm not here on official business this morning, just a social call.

The Guardian

Air kissing aside, they were doing more than paying a social call.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Membership in the Nature Conservancy is a social calling card, and the creation of a conservation easement on personal property is a status symbol.

The New York Times - Travel

Today, multinational French carrier Orange announced that it would offer "Party Call," a "social calling" service on the social network.

TechCrunch

"There is a widespread social call for deeper and more dynamic change".

The New York Times

Williams's own prose is chatty and loose, dipping into big categories like "Nature" and "America" with the casualness of a Sunday social call.

The New Yorker

Telfair attracted Len Elmore and Fran Fraschilla to the microphone, Derek Jeter and the rapper Jay-Z to the front row and Pitino on a smart social call.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a social call", consider the context to ensure it aligns with the intended level of formality. It's generally suitable for informal or neutral situations.

Common error

Avoid using "a social call" to describe a business meeting or official visit, as it implies a casual and informal interaction, which may misrepresent the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a social call" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb (e.g., "to pay a social call", "to make a social call"). According to Ludwig AI, it denotes a visit or meeting primarily for socializing.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

6%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a social call" describes an informal visit or meeting intended for socializing rather than conducting business or official affairs. It is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news and media contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its typical usage. While versatile, ensure its informality aligns with the intended message, distinguishing it from more formal encounters. Related phrases such as ""a friendly visit"" or ""a casual visit"" can be considered for slight variations in meaning. Steer clear of misinterpreting it as formal when a business meeting is mentioned.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a friendly visit

Replaces "social" with "friendly", emphasizing the amicable nature of the visit.

a casual visit

Substitutes "social" with "casual", highlighting the informal nature of the visit.

a courtesy visit

Implies the visit is made out of politeness or respect, adding a layer of formality.

a personal visit

Focuses on the personal aspect, suggesting a non-business related visit.

dropping by for a chat

More informal and emphasizes the brief and conversational nature of the visit.

a visit for pleasure

Highlights that the visit is for enjoyment, distinguishing it from obligation.

a pleasure call

Uses 'pleasure' to indicate the visit is purely for enjoyment.

a friendly check-in

Emphasizes the act of making contact to see how someone is doing.

popping in for a visit

Indicates a brief, unplanned visit.

calling on someone

A slightly more formal way of saying visiting someone, implying respect.

FAQs

What does "a social call" mean?

The phrase "a social call" refers to a visit or meeting that is primarily for socializing, catching up, or maintaining personal relationships, rather than for business or official purposes.

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

You can use "a social call" in sentences like: "I decided to pay "a friendly visit" to my grandmother this weekend" or "His visit was just "a casual visit", nothing formal."

What are some alternatives to "a social call"?

Some alternatives include phrases like "a friendly visit", "a casual visit", or "dropping by for a chat", depending on the context and level of formality you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a social call" versus a more formal term?

"A social call" is appropriate in informal settings when the primary purpose is to socialize. In business or official contexts, terms like "meeting", "appointment", or "official visit" are more suitable.