beyond the call of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "beyond the call of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe actions that exceed what is expected or required, often in the context of duty or responsibility. Example: "The firefighter went beyond the call of duty to save the family trapped in the burning building."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His "commander", as an eyewitness, documented Private Platt's "beyond the call of duty" behavior that day.

Wikipedia

GO BEYOND THE CALL OF DUTY: Attempting to create something new is rarely easy.

HuffPost

Gordon showed chutzpah beyond the call of duty.

The New Yorker

That's really going above and beyond the call of duty.

Independent

But it's well beyond the call of duty.

The New York Times - Sports

His interference went well beyond the call of duty.

Independent

That's dedication above and beyond the call of duty.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

They went above and beyond the call of duty.

The Guardian

That would be above and beyond the call of duty.

The Guardian - Opinion

(Polish polka is usually beyond the call of Czech bands).

The New York Times - Arts

Such efforts are termed supererogatory, beyond the call of duty.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "beyond the call of" to highlight actions that demonstrate exceptional commitment, bravery, or dedication. It's most effective when describing situations where someone has gone above and beyond their normal duties or responsibilities.

Common error

Avoid using "beyond the call of" to describe ordinary tasks or responsibilities. The phrase is reserved for actions that significantly exceed what is expected in a given role or situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "beyond the call of" typically functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun, indicating an action or quality that exceeds normal expectations. As Ludwig AI indicates, this is a common and grammatically sound expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "beyond the call of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that describes actions exceeding normal expectations or duties. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Predominantly found in news and media, science, and formal business contexts, the phrase conveys admiration for exceptional commitment and selflessness. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "above and "beyond what's expected"" or ""going the extra mile"". Remember to reserve its use for truly exceptional actions to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

above and beyond what's expected

Emphasizes exceeding expectations, highlighting the degree of effort.

exceeding expectations

Focuses on surpassing anticipated performance levels.

going the extra mile

Implies additional effort and dedication beyond the usual.

showing exceptional dedication

Highlights the high level of commitment displayed.

demonstrating extraordinary effort

Focuses on the remarkable level of exertion involved.

performing over and above one's duties

Specifically relates to exceeding required responsibilities.

doing more than required

Simple and direct expression of exceeding requirements.

acting with unusual commitment

Highlights the uncommon nature of the dedication.

displaying remarkable initiative

Emphasizes taking proactive steps beyond what is asked.

making an extraordinary sacrifice

Focuses on the significant personal cost involved.

FAQs

How can I use "beyond the call of" in a sentence?

Use "beyond the call of" to describe an action that goes above and beyond what is normally expected. For example, "The doctor's dedication to her patients went "beyond the call of" duty when she personally delivered medication during the storm."

What are some alternatives to "beyond the call of"?

Alternatives include "above and beyond", "exceeding expectations", or "going the extra mile". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "above and beyond the call of duty" or just "beyond the call of duty"?

Both phrases are correct and commonly used. "Above and "beyond the call of" duty" emphasizes the exceptional nature of the action even more strongly than "beyond the call of duty" alone.

What's the difference between "beyond the call of duty" and "required by duty"?

"Beyond the call of duty" describes actions that are voluntary and exceed what is strictly required, while "required by duty" refers to actions that are mandatory and part of one's job or responsibility. The former implies exceptional effort, while the latter simply indicates fulfilling obligations.