call him out

USAGE SUMMARY

"call him out" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It is often used to mean publicly challenging or confronting someone about their actions or behavior. Example: "The politician was called out by the media for his controversial remarks." In this sentence, "called out" means the politician was publicly criticized and held accountable for his words.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Or no, he didn't call him out on it.

The New Yorker

Mr. Trump will probably call him out directly on Wednesday.

The New York Times

"And anyone who cares about liberty needs to call him out on it".

The New York Times

Righties are delighted when Democrats distance themselves from Barack Obama or call him out as "cocky".

The Economist

One night over dinner, I started to call him out on it, but lost my nerve.

The New York Times

Mitt the Romney was right to call it that and call him out for it.

The New York Times

That being said a Mammas gotta call him out! "Hi Liam, do you remember me?

Independent

The brilliant Joan Smith did call him out, loud and clear, in her 1989 book Misogynies.

The Guardian

"The president goes off the rails, you need to call him out," Dent said.

The Washington Post

Instead of walking on, Laguerre decided to call him out, responding "Ta gueule!", or shut up.

The Guardian

Being Deron Williams's pal is not like having to call him out for bad body language or shot selection.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "call him out", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific action or statement is being challenged. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While "call him out" is common, avoid it in highly formal writing. Opt for more professional alternatives like "criticize publicly" or "challenge his actions" in academic or business settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "call him out" functions as a phrasal verb, specifically an idiomatic expression. It signifies a direct and often public challenge or confrontation of someone regarding their actions or statements. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "call him out" is a common and grammatically correct phrasal verb used to describe the act of publicly challenging or criticizing someone. According to Ludwig, it's primarily used in news and media contexts, though it also appears in more informal settings. While generally neutral, it's best to avoid it in highly formal or academic writing. Consider alternatives like "criticize publicly" or "challenge his actions" for more professional contexts. Remember to be specific about the reason for "calling out" someone to avoid ambiguity. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is well-established and widely understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

confront him about it

Emphasizes the act of facing him directly regarding the issue.

criticize him publicly

Replaces "call out" with a more direct synonym, focusing on the act of public criticism.

hold him accountable

Highlights the importance of responsibility and consequences.

bring him to account

Similar to 'hold him accountable', emphasizing the need for justification.

challenge his actions

Shifts the focus to questioning the validity of his behavior.

denounce his behavior

Suggests a strong public disapproval of his actions.

take him to task

Indicates a firm and often critical examination of his actions.

rebuke him openly

Implies a formal or authoritative reprimand.

reprimand him publicly

Suggests a formal correction or scolding in a public setting.

expose his misdeeds

Highlights the revelation of wrongdoing to the public.

FAQs

How can I use "call him out" in a sentence?

You can use "call him out" to describe publicly challenging someone's actions or statements. For example, "The media "called him out" for his controversial remarks."

What does it mean to "call someone out"?

"Call someone out" means to publicly challenge or criticize them for something they have said or done. It implies holding them accountable for their actions.

Which is correct, "call him out" or "call him on it"?

Both "call him out" and "call him on it" are grammatically correct and commonly used. The choice depends on context; "call him out" is more general, while "call him on it" specifically refers to addressing a particular issue or point.

What are some alternatives to "call him out"?

You can use alternatives like "criticize him publicly", "challenge his actions", or "confront him about it" depending on the context.