call for

USAGE SUMMARY

"call for" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is most commonly used to mean to demand or request something, as in: The government has called for emergency relief in the region.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Call for availability.

The New York Times

Call for dinner reservations.

The New York Times

Call for lunch hours.

The New York Times

"Please call for details".

The New York Times

Call for reservations.

The New York Times - Travel

Call for the vote".

The New York Times

Call for times.

The New York Times

Call for directions.

The New York Times

Call for reform?

The New Yorker

Call for ticket prices.

The New York Times

Call for Pep.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "call for" to mean 'demand', ensure the context clearly indicates the basis or justification for the demand. For example: "The citizens call for greater transparency from their elected officials."

Common error

Avoid using "call for" when a simple 'ask' or 'request' suffices. Overusing "call for" can make your writing sound unnecessarily forceful or dramatic. Always consider the appropriate level of formality and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "call for" primarily functions as a transitive verb, taking a direct object to indicate what is being requested or demanded. This aligns with Ludwig AI's analysis that it commonly means 'to demand or request something'. Examples in Ludwig demonstrate its use in contexts ranging from political appeals to emergency requests.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "call for" is a versatile phrasal verb primarily used to express a demand or request, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its prevalence in news, academic, and wiki contexts highlights its broad applicability. While grammatically straightforward, writers should be mindful of the nuance it carries, avoiding overuse and selecting it deliberately for situations that warrant a stronger expression. Alternatives like "request" or "demand" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context. Remember to consider the level of formality and desired impact when employing "call for" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ask for

A simpler and more general way to request something.

request

Emphasizes the act of asking for something, often formally.

demand

Highlights the forceful nature of the request, implying a right or authority.

require

Focuses on necessity, suggesting something is essential.

appeal for

Highlights the emotional aspect of the request, often seeking sympathy or support.

necessitate

Indicates that a situation makes something unavoidable.

seek

Focuses on the act of searching or trying to obtain something.

invite

Implies a formal or polite request for something.

beseech

Implies an urgent and earnest request.

solicit

Suggests seeking something, often assistance or contributions.

FAQs

How to use "call for" in a sentence?

You can use "call for" to mean to demand or request something, as in "The protestors "call for" the president's resignation" or to require or necessitate something, as in "This situation "calls for" immediate action".

What can I say instead of "call for"?

You can use alternatives like "request", "demand", or "require" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "call for" or "calling for"?

"Call for" is the base form. "Calling for" is the present participle and is used in continuous tenses (e.g., "They are calling for change"). The correct form depends on the grammatical structure of your sentence.

What's the difference between "ask for" and "call for"?

"Ask for" is a general request, while "call for" often implies a stronger demand or a perceived need. "Call for" can also suggest a public or formal request, whereas "ask for" is more neutral.