call for time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "call for time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is requesting a pause or break, often in a meeting or discussion. Example: "During the heated debate, the moderator decided to call for time to allow everyone to gather their thoughts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Events

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Finland call for time.

The Guardian - Sport

Graveside funeral service at King Solomon Cemetery, Clifton, NJ, Monday; please call for time, 203-624-6912, Weller Funeral Home, New Haven, CT.

The New York Times

And at the 2003 French Open semifinal, Henin put up a hand to call for time on the serve of her opponent, who happened to be Serena.

The New York Times - Sports

The crowd of 45,183 stood and roared, and Raines, an Expos star in the 1980's, had to call for time before the first pitch.

The New York Times - Sports

And Arianna Huffington, an undisputed doyenne of the Internet, has used her site and Twitter account to call for time offline, even plugging Camp Grounded, though she's yet to relinquish her four BlackBerries.

The New York Times

Updated at 10.31pm GMT 10.25pm GMT Redskins 14 - Seahawks 0, 12 11, 2nd quarter It's 3rd & 12 after a delay of game penalty pushes Seattle back and then Wilson has to call for time, their first of the game.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Rouhani's call for "time-bound" negotiations on a nuclear deal should therefore garner full Western engagement without Israel acting as a spoiler.

The New York Times

Call for times.

The New York Times

Call for times and dates.

The New York Times

Through Sunday; call for times.

The New York Times - Arts

Call for times and prices.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "call for time" in sports reporting, specify whose time is being called and the reason for the pause. For example, "The coach called for time to strategize before the final play".

Common error

Avoid using "call for time" when you mean "take your time" or "spend more time". "Call for time" implies a formal request for a temporary halt, not a suggestion to prolong an activity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "call for time" functions as a verb phrase. It is primarily used to request a pause or temporary cessation of an activity, often in sports or formal settings. Ludwig AI confirms this with examples showing its use in news and media, particularly in sports contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sports

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "call for time" is a verb phrase used to request a temporary pause or break, often observed in sports, news, and formal contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage in diverse sources. While grammatically sound, its neutral register makes it suitable for various professional and everyday scenarios. To ensure precise communication, it's crucial to distinguish its formal request meaning from informal suggestions like "take your time". Understanding this nuance will contribute to clear and contextually appropriate writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

request a break

Replaces "call", focusing on the action of requesting a pause.

ask for a pause

Similar to 'request a break', but emphasizes the interruption of an activity.

request a recess

A more formal way to request a temporary break, often in official settings.

inquire about schedule

Changes the focus to obtaining timetable details rather than pausing.

check availability

Shifts the emphasis to confirming if a certain time slot is free.

get in touch for schedule details

Suggests contacting someone to find out specific timing information.

contact for appointment times

Focuses on arranging a specific meeting or booking.

phone regarding timings

Similar to "get in touch", but specifies communication mode.

demand an intermission

Uses a stronger verb to convey the necessity of a pause.

seek a temporary suspension

A formal alternative that emphasizes a temporary stop to proceedings.

FAQs

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

You can use "call for time" to indicate a request for a temporary halt or break in an activity. For instance, "The player "called for time" to adjust their equipment."

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

Alternatives include "request a break", "ask for a pause", or "request a recess", depending on the formality and context.

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

"Call for time" is typically used as a verb phrase indicating the action of requesting a pause. "Calling for time" implies a continuous or repeated action of requesting a pause.

What's the difference between "call for time" and "take your time"?

"Call for time" signifies a request to temporarily stop an activity. "Take your time" suggests not rushing and proceeding at one's own pace.