are calling for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are calling for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express a demand or request for something, often in the context of social or political issues. Example: "The citizens are calling for immediate action to address climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Conservative pundits are calling for her head.

The Guardian

Economists are calling for faster reforms.

The Economist

They are calling for faster political reforms.

The Economist

"Now we are calling for dissolving them".

The New York Times

Democrats and Republicans are calling for tariffs.

The New York Times

"We are calling for accountability".

The New York Times

Officials are calling for reform.

The New York Times

They are calling for $50 billion.

The New York Times

Students are calling for more clarity.

The Guardian

They are calling for his resignation instead.

The Guardian - Business

The police themselves are calling for change.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are calling for", clearly specify who is making the call and what they are requesting to provide clear and actionable information for the reader.

Common error

Avoid vague or unattributed uses of "are calling for". Ensure that the source of the demand is clearly identified to maintain credibility and avoid misrepresentation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are calling for" functions as a verb phrase expressing a demand or request made by a group of people. As shown in Ludwig, it is commonly used to report what groups or individuals are publicly advocating for. The phrase highlights the action of requesting or demanding something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are calling for" is a grammatically correct and very common verb phrase used to express a demand or request, often in a public or formal setting. According to Ludwig, it is most frequently found in news and media contexts, with significant usage in academic and business settings as well. To ensure clarity, it is crucial to specify who is making the call and what they are requesting. While versatile, alternatives like "are demanding", "are urging", and "are requesting" can add nuance depending on the context. Avoiding vague attribution is essential for maintaining credibility. With an expert rating of 4.6, "are calling for" remains a reliable and effective way to convey advocacy or demand.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are demanding

Emphasizes a stronger, more forceful request.

are requesting

A more polite and formal way to express a need or desire.

are urging

Suggests a strong recommendation or encouragement.

are advocating

Implies active support and promotion of a cause or idea.

are pushing for

Indicates a concerted effort to achieve a specific goal.

are appealing for

Suggests a heartfelt and often urgent request.

are petitioning for

A formal request, often involving a written document with signatures.

are campaigning for

Indicates organized public action to achieve a political or social goal.

are pressing for

Highlights the persistent and insistent nature of the request.

are seeking

A general term for attempting to obtain or achieve something.

FAQs

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

Use "are calling for" to express a public demand or request, as in, "Activists "are calling for" stricter environmental regulations".

What are some alternatives to "are calling for"?

You can use alternatives like "are demanding", "are requesting", or "are urging" depending on the context and the level of formality you want to convey.

What is the difference between "are calling for" and "are suggesting"?

"Are calling for" implies a direct and often public demand, whereas "are suggesting" indicates a milder recommendation or proposal.

Is it appropriate to use "are calling for" in formal writing?

Yes, "are calling for" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when reporting on demands or requests made by groups or individuals. It's common in news reports, academic papers, and business documents.