call for aid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "call for aid" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used to indicate a request for help. For example, "The small village was suffering from a lack of food, so the mayor decided to call for aid from neighbouring towns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Like Paul, I must constantly respond to the Macedonian call for aid.

The New Yorker

So far, the call for aid has fallen on mainly deaf ears.

The Guardian

"It's like Commissioner Gordon sending out a call for aid and a call to arms," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

A contact can range from a call for aid to a simple encounter in a park to an arrest.

The New York Times

I would like to call for aid and investment that will strengthen the democratization process by promoting social and economic progress that is beneficial to political reform".

The New York Times

The new rules call for aid workers, including local Somalis, to tell American administrators when any aid unintentionally slips into the Shabab's hands.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

The Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas, called for aid to continue.

The Guardian

Now they are being more assertive about calling for aid.

The Guardian

Only then could peace efforts resume, he added, and he called for aid to the Palestinians.

The New York Times

Let's ponder those voices calling for aid to such places to be stopped.

The Guardian

Governors are perhaps also wondering if the federal government will respond quickly to their calls for aid.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In creative writing, using alternatives like "cry for help" can add emotional depth and urgency.

Common error

Avoid using "call for aid" in very informal conversations; simpler phrases like "ask for help" are often more appropriate and natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "call for aid" functions primarily as a noun phrase indicating a formal or urgent request for assistance. Ludwig's examples show it used in contexts ranging from international crises to personal emergencies.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

21%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "call for aid" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that signifies a formal request for assistance. According to Ludwig, it's particularly common in news and media, as well as wiki and formal business contexts. While versatile, it is most appropriate for professional and neutral registers, and care should be taken to adapt a more informal phrasing for casual communication. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is well-established and effectively conveys the need for support in various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appeal for help

Highlights the urgent and emotional aspect of the request.

ask for assistance

Simple and direct way of expressing the need for help.

plead for assistance

Emphasizes the desperation or urgency of the request.

request assistance

Formal synonym emphasizing the act of asking for help.

cry for help

Implies a desperate and urgent need for immediate intervention.

seek support

Focuses on obtaining backing or resources from others.

request support

Similar to "seek support" but more direct as a request.

solicit assistance

Formal and emphasizes a direct request for aid.

invoke aid

Formal term suggesting a formal appeal or activation of support mechanisms.

seek intervention

Focuses on needing external involvement to resolve a situation.

FAQs

What is another way to say "call for aid"?

Alternatives to "call for aid" include "appeal for help", "request assistance", or "seek support", depending on the context.

How can I use "call for aid" in a sentence?

You might say, "The organization issued a "call for aid" to address the urgent needs of the refugees" or "After the devastating earthquake, the government made a "call for aid" from international communities".

When is it appropriate to use "call for aid"?

"Call for aid" is suitable in formal contexts, such as news reports, official statements, and academic papers, where a structured request for help is being described. It's less common in casual conversation.

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

"Call for aid" is a more formal and often public request, typically involving larger-scale needs or organized assistance. "Ask for help" is a more general and can be used in both formal and informal situations.