call about

USAGE SUMMARY

"call about" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It usually means to contact someone via phone to ask them about a certain topic. For example: "I am going to call about the job opening tomorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

These days 30 associates call about 5,000 companies a year.

Forbes

We just try to respond to whatever they call about".

Huffington Post

Call about additional screenings.

The New York Times

Nine, nine-twenty, the call about Bonn.

The New Yorker

Officers got a call about 4 a.m.

The New York Times

Who to call about a broken sink?

Stanford University

Producers will call about the film rights.

The Guardian - Books

"We got a call about a consultant".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Paramedics were called about 11.30am.

The Guardian

What was Sanders calling about?

The New York Times - Sports

Carolina called about Groh before last season.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "call about", be specific about the subject of the call to ensure clarity. For example, "call about the status of your order" is more informative than simply "call about it".

Common error

Avoid using "call about" without specifying the topic of the call. Saying "call about something" is vague and unhelpful. Always clarify the subject to ensure the recipient understands the purpose of the call.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "call about" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating an action (calling) with a specific purpose (to inquire or discuss something). As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a common way to express the act of contacting someone by phone to ask them about a certain topic. Examples in Ludwig show diverse applications, from calling about job openings to screenings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

10%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "call about" is a common and versatile phrasal verb used to describe making a phone call to inquire or discuss a specific topic. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English, highlighting its purpose of contacting someone by phone regarding a particular subject. With examples spanning diverse contexts, from News & Media to Academia, it's clear that "call about" is widely accepted and understood. While generally neutral in register, specifying the subject of the call is crucial for clarity. Remember to avoid vagueness and be precise about what you're calling about to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enquire about

Focuses on the act of asking for information, rather than the method of communication.

inquire about

A more formal way to ask for information regarding a certain matter.

phone to ask

Specifies the means of communication and the purpose.

contact regarding

Emphasizes the act of getting in touch about a particular subject.

reach out concerning

A more formal and proactive approach to initiate communication.

get in touch about

A general way to indicate initiating communication related to a topic.

make a query regarding

Focuses on making a formal request for information.

seek information on

Highlights the intention to find out details about something.

ask for details on

Focuses on requesting specific information about a topic.

follow up on

Suggests a subsequent communication about a previous matter.

FAQs

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

You can use "call about" to indicate the purpose of a phone call, such as "I'm going to "call about" the job application" or "Did you "call about" the reservation?". It indicates that you are contacting someone by phone to discuss a particular topic.

What are some alternatives to "call about"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "enquire about", "inquire about", or "phone to ask". These options provide similar meanings while offering slight variations in formality or emphasis.

What's the difference between "call about" and "call regarding"?

"Call about" is generally more informal and commonly used in everyday conversation. "Call regarding" is more formal and often used in business or official contexts. The choice depends on the intended audience and the tone you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I will call about it"?

While grammatically correct, "I will "call about" it" can be vague. It's better to specify what "it" refers to for clarity, such as "I will "call about" the invoice" or "I will "call about" the meeting time".