a video call

USAGE SUMMARY

"a video call" is correct and usable in written English.
You might use it when referring to a conversation between two or more people that is conducted over a video call through a program such as Skype, FaceTime, Google Duo, etc. For example: "John and I had a video call yesterday to discuss the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

A video call from Bilel came in.

The Guardian

In one spot a geek is on a video call.

The Economist

Use a video call without having to leave work.

The Guardian

The hosts asked me to make a video call to the audience apologizing for my absence.

The New York Times

To prove it, she arranged for Chaphekar to speak to her kids on a video call.

The Guardian

The dream of being able to dial anyone for a video call seems distant.

MIT Technology Review

A video call hours before her death was all we had.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

They posted a video called "Hey, Miley!

The New Yorker

It is a video called The Knowledge Navigator.

Sketching User Experiences Getting the design right and the right design

Students in Kansas protested against the lunch law by making a video called "We are hungry".

The Economist

A video called "My Life," by Marja Viitahuhta of Finland, is more expansive.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Before starting "a video call", test your camera and microphone to avoid technical difficulties during the conversation.

Common error

Avoid initiating "a video call" without ensuring a stable internet connection, as poor connectivity can lead to dropped calls and frustrating communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a video call" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI exemplifies, it refers to the activity or instance of communicating via video technology.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Wiki

25%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a video call" is a grammatically sound and highly prevalent term used to describe real-time visual communication. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as a noun phrase and serves the purpose of facilitating face-to-face interaction over distance. It is most frequently encountered in News & Media contexts and possesses a generally neutral register. When using the term, it's useful to specify the platform used for the call to ensure seamless participation, while also being aware of potential connectivity issues. Alternative phrases include "video chat" and "video conference".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

video chat

This is a more informal and conversational term.

video conference

This term is more formal and often used in business settings.

virtual meeting

This phrase emphasizes the online nature of the interaction.

live video connection

This term emphasizes the real-time aspect of the communication.

online call with video

This explicitly specifies the presence of video in the call.

visual teleconference

This is a more technical and formal way to say "a video call".

face-to-face online interaction

This highlights the visual aspect and personal connection.

webcam conversation

This emphasizes the use of a webcam for communication.

remote video communication

This phrase highlights the distance between participants.

digital face-to-face meeting

This emphasizes the digital nature of an otherwise physical meeting.

FAQs

What is another way to say "a video call"?

Alternatives include "video conference", "video chat", or "virtual meeting".

How do I use "a video call" in a sentence?

You can say, "I had a productive discussion with my team during a video call", or "Let's schedule a video call to discuss the project details".

Is "a video call" formal or informal?

"A video call" is generally considered a neutral term, suitable for both professional and informal contexts depending on the specific situation and participants involved.

What's the difference between "a video call" and "a phone call"?

The primary difference is that "a video call" includes a visual component, allowing participants to see each other, while "a phone call" is audio-only.