are called for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are called for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used when there is a need for something to happen, usually because a situation is urgent. Example: The recent storms have caused a great deal of damage, so immediate repairs are called for.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Drastic measures are called for.

The Guardian - Travel

But bolder initiatives are called for.

The New York Times

But more drastic measures are called for.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

More chicken and more biscuits are called for.

The New York Times - Food

Urgent Congressional and executive branch investigations are called for.

The New York Times

Maybe cannons are called for after all — to celebrate.

The New York Times

But, they said, extreme measures are called for.

The New York Times

When the phone rings you are called for an interview.

The Guardian - Arts

But if it is too late for that, different methods are called for.

The Economist

He has robust sound and youthful energy when they are called for.

The New York Times - Arts

"When we are called for pujas like this, we feel very proud.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are called for", ensure the context clearly indicates what actions or measures are being requested or deemed necessary. Clarity helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens the message.

Common error

Avoid using "are called for" without a clear subject or agent. Always clarify who is making the call or what situation necessitates the action. For example, instead of "Improvements are called for", specify "Experts say that major improvements are called for".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are called for" functions as a passive voice construction indicating that certain actions or measures are deemed necessary. As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction is used to express a requirement or need, often in urgent situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

55%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are called for" is a versatile phrase used to express the necessity or requirement of specific actions or measures. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's considered grammatically correct and is frequently employed across various contexts. Its usage is particularly prevalent in news and media and scientific publications. This construction functions as a passive voice, and while it is found predominantly in neutral and formal registers, its overall flexibility allows for broad application. To ensure clarity, writers should always clearly define the subject and context necessitating the call for action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are needed

Emphasizes the necessity of something; slightly more direct.

are required

Indicates a mandatory or essential nature; more formal.

are necessary

Highlights the indispensability of something; fairly interchangeable.

are warranted

Suggests that something is justified or appropriate.

are appropriate

Implies suitability or fitness for a specific purpose.

are essential

Emphasizes the critical importance of something.

are advisable

Recommends something as a sensible course of action.

are indicated

Suggests that something is recommended based on specific circumstances.

are in order

Implies that something is suitable or fitting in a particular context.

are suitable

Indicates something fits well with the needs or purpose.

FAQs

How can I use "are called for" in a sentence?

Use "are called for" to express that certain actions, measures, or changes are necessary or required in a particular situation. For example, "Drastic measures "are called for" to address the environmental crisis".

What phrases are similar in meaning to "are called for"?

Similar phrases include "are needed", "are required", or "are necessary". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality you want to convey.

Which is correct: "is called for" or "are called for"?

"Are called for" is used with plural nouns or non-countable nouns, while "is called for" is used with singular nouns. For example, "Urgent investigations are called for" versus "An immediate investigation is called for".

When is it appropriate to use "are called for" instead of "are needed"?

"Are called for" often implies a stronger sense of urgency or a more formal recommendation compared to "are needed". Use "are called for" when emphasizing the imperative nature of the action or change.