call for backup

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "call for backup" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used when someone needs help in a difficult situation, typically referring to another person, or group of people, providing assistance. For example: "The police officer, feeling overwhelmed by the hostile crowd, called for backup."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Even police call for backup in similar situations".

The Guardian - Opinion

Put out an emergency call for backup umpires.

The New York Times

They received a call for backup at a burglary in progress.

The New York Times

The next morning, they used radios to call for backup, and evicted the owners and guests.

The Guardian

I started C.P.R. and told a nurse to call for backup.

The New York Times - Health

The melee outside the school drew the attention of Officer Reeves, whose call for backup summoned Officer Scott.

The New York Times

Officer Yaslowitz, who was married with three children, had finished his regular shift and was heading home when he responded to a call for backup.

The New York Times

The criminal complaint accuses Mr. Solivan of punching both officers, and says when each officer tried to call for backup, Mr. Solivan grabbed their radios.

The New York Times

Mr. Leader, the retired sergeant, said, "If you think he has a weapon, call for emergency services, call for the big boys, call for backup".

The New York Times

Absent any indicators of an emergency, such as gunshots or cries for help, their responsibility was to retreat, seek cover and call for backup, the prosecutors said.

The New York Times

As Ms. Craglow tried to piece together what had happened, more officers arrived, spilling out of eight patrol cars in response to Officer Grossman's frantic call for backup.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "call for backup", ensure the context clearly indicates who is being asked for help and why their assistance is needed.

Common error

Avoid using "call for backup" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "request assistance" or "seek reinforcements" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "call for backup" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating an action of requesting immediate assistance. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. Examples from Ludwig show its usage in various contexts, primarily involving requests for help in challenging situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "call for backup" is a very common phrasal verb used to urgently request assistance, often in situations requiring immediate action. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness, with numerous examples showing its prevalence in news and media. While the phrase is generally neutral, leaning towards informal, it is important to consider the context and opt for more formal alternatives like "request assistance" in professional settings. When using "call for backup", make sure the context is clear to understand the specific need and purpose of the call.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Need assistance

This alternative is a direct statement of requiring help, suitable for various situations.

Request assistance

This alternative is a more formal and general way to ask for help.

Ask for support

This alternative is a broad term for seeking help, which can be emotional, physical, or logistical.

Require support

This alternative is a more formal way of expressing the need for help.

Seek reinforcements

This alternative is often used in military or tactical contexts, implying a need for additional personnel or resources.

Summon help

This alternative implies a direct and often immediate call for assistance.

Appeal for aid

This alternative suggests a more urgent or dire need for assistance.

Signal for help

This alternative suggests using a visual or auditory signal to attract attention and request assistance.

Enlist support

This alternative implies actively seeking and gaining assistance from others.

Alert authorities

This alternative indicates notifying official channels for assistance, especially in emergencies.

FAQs

How to use "call for backup" in a sentence?

"Call for backup" is used when someone needs immediate help or assistance. For example, "The officer decided to "call for backup" when the situation escalated."

What can I say instead of "call for backup"?

You can use alternatives like "request assistance", "seek reinforcements", or "ask for support" depending on the context.

In what scenarios is it appropriate to "call for backup"?

It's appropriate to "call for backup" in situations where you are overwhelmed, facing a threat, or need additional resources to handle a situation effectively. It is often used in law enforcement, emergency services, and even in project management.

Is "call for backup" formal or informal?

"Call for backup" is generally considered an informal phrase. In formal contexts, it's better to use alternatives like "request assistance" or "summon help".