call of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "call of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in expressions like "call of duty" or "call of the wild," indicating a strong urge or responsibility to act in a certain way. Example: "He felt the call of the wild and decided to go on an adventure in the mountains."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's the Call of Calls.

The New Yorker

Call of Pripyat.

Stanford University

It was "Call of Duty: Ghosts".

The New Yorker

It is the call of conscience.

The New Yorker

It is slower than Call of Duty.

The New York Times - Tech

(Kiwanuka likes the Call of Duty series).

The New York Times - Sports

Then Call of Duty came along.

The New York Times - Arts

DAVE ITZKOFF: Easiest call of the night.

The New York Times

Call of Duty Logo.

The Guardian - Tech

Call of Duty: Fallen.

The Guardian - Tech

Call of Cthulhu.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "call of" to invoke a sense of duty, obligation, or strong attraction. Tailor the noun following "call of" to precisely convey the intended meaning, such as "call of duty" or "call of the wild".

Common error

Avoid using "call of" for ordinary situations or simple preferences. It is more appropriate for significant obligations or profound attractions, not for everyday choices. For example, do not say "I felt the call of pizza" when you simply want to eat pizza.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "call of" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, often used to express a compelling urge, obligation, or inherent quality. This construction typically precedes a noun, shaping the overall meaning as shown in examples by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

25%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "call of" is a versatile prepositional phrase, predominantly used to indicate a strong sense of duty, obligation, or inherent quality. As evidenced by examples on Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and frequently appears in news and media, albeit with a neutral to formal tone. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is indeed correct and usable in written English. When using "call of", ensure that the context is fitting and reflects a significant obligation or profound attraction, avoiding its application to trivial matters.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appeal of

This alternative focuses on the attractiveness or desirability of something, rather than a sense of duty or obligation.

lure of

This alternative emphasizes the enticing or seductive nature of something, drawing someone in.

attraction to

This alternative highlights the magnetic quality that draws someone towards something.

demand of

This shifts the focus to a requirement or expectation, implying a need to respond.

imperative to

This suggests a compelling need or obligation to act in a certain way.

summons to

This conveys a formal or official request to appear or take action.

beckoning of

This evokes a sense of invitation or enticement, often from a distance.

insistence on

This emphasizes the firmness or persistence of a request or demand.

necessity for

This highlights the essential or unavoidable nature of something.

need for

This simply points out the requirement for something.

FAQs

How can I use "call of" in a sentence?

You can use "call of" to express a strong urge or duty. For example, "He answered the "call of duty" and joined the army" or "She felt the "call of the wild" and went hiking in the mountains".

What are some alternatives to "call of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "appeal of", "lure of", or "attraction to". These phrases convey a similar sense of drawing someone towards something.

Is it appropriate to use "call of" in formal writing?

Yes, "call of" is appropriate for formal writing when used to express a significant duty or obligation. However, ensure the context warrants the use of such a strong phrase; otherwise, consider more neutral alternatives.

What's the difference between "call of duty" and "sense of duty"?

"Call of duty" suggests a compelling, often external, force driving action, while "sense of duty" refers to an internal feeling or moral obligation. The former implies a more dramatic or significant imperative.