call for a moratorium

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "call for a moratorium" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when requesting a temporary halt or suspension of an activity or process, often in a legal, environmental, or policy context. Example: "The environmental group decided to call for a moratorium on new drilling permits until further studies could be conducted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I call for a moratorium on moratoriums.

Nature

He supported Madigan's call for a moratorium.

The Guardian

One of the president's responses was to call for a moratorium on new deep-water drilling.

The New York Times

He did not call for a moratorium in his keynote speech.

The New York Times

"That is why our call for a moratorium on the cuts".

The Guardian

Even real estate brokers have joined the call for a moratorium.

The New York Times

The call for a moratorium received strong backing from the US National Institute of Health.

The Guardian

A government spokesman said: "We disagree with the Committee's call for a moratorium on new oil and gas drilling.

Independent

So today I call for a moratorium on Clarkson-bullying before he heads for the nearest Tube platform.

Independent

The wave of executions coincides with the United Nations General Assembly's call for a moratorium on the death penalty.

The New York Times

For their sake, I urge you to support this call for a moratorium on new coalmines and coalmine expansions".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "call for a moratorium", ensure that the context clearly defines the activity or process that should be temporarily halted. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the argument.

Common error

Avoid using "call for a moratorium" when a permanent ban is intended. A moratorium is temporary, so ensure your language reflects this.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "call for a moratorium" primarily functions as a verb phrase that serves as an expression of advocacy or a demand. It is used to publicly request a temporary suspension or halt of a specific activity or practice. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science & Research

14%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Unknown/unmatched sources

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "call for a moratorium" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that functions as a public request or demand for a temporary halt to an activity. Ludwig AI validates its widespread use across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and academia. While the phrase suggests a temporary cessation, it's important to distinguish it from a permanent ban. Alternatives such as "request a standstill" or "seek a suspension" offer nuanced ways to express a similar concept. Ensuring clarity and appropriateness in usage enhances effective communication when advocating for such measures.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

request a standstill

Replaces "call for" with "request" and "moratorium" with "standstill", slightly altering the formality.

demand a temporary halt

Emphasizes the demand aspect using "demand" instead of "call for", and specifies the nature of the halt.

seek a suspension

Uses "seek" to soften the demand and "suspension" as a direct synonym for moratorium.

urge a cessation

Replaces with more formal synonyms like "urge" and "cessation" for increased intensity.

advocate a freeze

Uses "advocate" to suggest active support and "freeze" as a less formal substitute for "moratorium".

push for a temporary ban

Emphasizes the restrictive nature of the moratorium using the term "ban".

recommend a pause

Presents a less forceful alternative using "recommend" instead of "call for".

appeal for a standstill

Uses "appeal" to convey a sense of urgency or need in requesting the moratorium.

propose a halt

Offers a neutral alternative, suggesting the moratorium as a formal proposal.

insist on a temporary cessation

Strengthens the request by using "insist", emphasizing the necessity of the halt.

FAQs

What does "call for a moratorium" mean?

To "call for a moratorium" means to publicly request or demand a temporary suspension or halt of a particular activity or process, often due to ethical, environmental, or safety concerns.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "call for a moratorium"?

It's appropriate to use "call for a moratorium" when advocating for a temporary cessation of something, such as "new construction", "executions", or "drilling", until certain conditions are met or further evaluation can occur.

What are some alternatives to "call for a moratorium"?

Alternatives include "request a standstill", "demand a temporary halt", or "seek a suspension", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

How does "call for a moratorium" differ from "impose a ban"?

"Call for a moratorium" is a request or advocacy for a temporary halt, while "impose a ban" indicates an official and often permanent prohibition. A moratorium is temporary, whereas a ban is typically indefinite.