call for takeout

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "call for takeout" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate the action of ordering food to be picked up or delivered from a restaurant. Example: "After a long day at work, we decided to call for takeout instead of cooking dinner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

That we had to call for takeout.

The New Yorker

According to Mr. Singh, some people call for takeout the minute they step off the plane.

The New York Times

And you can't reach for the phone to call for takeout.

The New York Times - Sports

How wonderful life was, back when we still knew how to drive cars, button shirts, call for takeout, paint a series of watercolors depicting various views of our summer house, find our damn summer house in the first place.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

I collected plenty of gardening books, but I treated them the way I do cookbooks: something to flip through idly before calling for takeout.

The New York Times

No slipping out to a hostelry, calling for takeout, or claiming a fasting diet at the family Thanksgiving table.

Huffington Post

He can call Gianelli's for takeout and put it on whichever one of our credit cards still works.

The New Yorker

Andrew Levenson, 22, called his preference for takeout a "lifestyle choice". Like Bridge, he saves his dining-in experiences for special occasions.

HuffPost

All chicken is fried to order, so for takeout or delivery, call at least 30 minutes ahead.

The New York Times - Food

In the back seat, Dave said that he would call that evening and pretend to place an order for takeout, then take his wife to a CVS pharmacy nearby.

The New Yorker

(Everything is available for takeout).

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "call for takeout", ensure the context clearly indicates that you are ordering food from a restaurant to be consumed elsewhere. For example, "After a long day, we decided to call for takeout from our favorite Italian restaurant."

Common error

Avoid using "call for takeout" when you intend to dine in at the restaurant. The phrase specifically implies ordering food to be taken away from the premises.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "call for takeout" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of ordering food from a restaurant to be consumed off the premises. Ludwig shows that this phrase is commonly used to describe the act of ordering food by phone for pickup or delivery.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "call for takeout" is a verb phrase that describes the act of ordering food from a restaurant to be eaten elsewhere. As indicated by Ludwig, its grammatical status is correct, although its frequency is uncommon. The sources on Ludwig are primarily from the news and media category. When writing, be sure that the context makes it clear that you mean to order food that will be consumed off-premises. Consider alternatives such as "order takeout", "get food delivered", or "place a takeout order", depending on your specific meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

phone in an order for takeout

This specifies using the phone to order.

request takeout

Formal way of ordering takeout

order food to go

This alternative focuses on the action of ordering food with the intention of taking it away.

place a takeout order

This alternative uses a noun phrase to describe the act of ordering takeout.

arrange for takeout

Highlights the arrangement aspect of the action.

get food delivered

This alternative specifies that the food is brought to you, rather than picked up.

order in

This is a shorter, more informal way of saying you're ordering food to be eaten at home.

grab takeout

This implies a quick and casual way to get takeout.

send out for food

Emphasizes the action of sending someone to get the food.

pick up food

Focuses on the action of going to get the food.

FAQs

What does "call for takeout" mean?

Calling for takeout means to phone a restaurant to place an order for food that you will pick up or have delivered, rather than eating at the restaurant.

What's a less common way to say "call for takeout"?

A less common way to say "call for takeout" is to "phone in an order for takeout", which specifically refers to placing the order by phone.

Which is more common, "call for takeout" or "order takeout"?

"Order takeout" is more common than "call for takeout" in contemporary usage, although both are acceptable. You might also "place a takeout order".

Are there regional differences in how people refer to "call for takeout"?

While "call for takeout" is widely understood, some regions might prefer phrases like "order to go", or "get it to go". Also consider the option to "get food delivered" which describes when the food is brought to the client.