call on

USAGE SUMMARY

"call on" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used in the context of asking someone to speak out loud or to give their opinion or ideas. Example: The teacher asked the students to call on at least two of their peers to take part in the discussion.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

You can call on me.

The New York Times

They have to call on scientists.

University of California, Berkeley

Referees can call on director.

Los Angeles Times

Please, Rome, don't call on me.

Los Angeles Times

Who can you call on for help?

HuffPost

Good call on that one.

TechCrunch

would call on her.

The New Yorker

Call on the Ghost….

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Have we been called on by them?

Yale University

Strike two called on the outside corner.

The New York Times - Sports

Two pupils called on.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To avoid ambiguity, clarify the intended meaning of "call on". Are you asking someone to speak, requesting assistance, or simply visiting?

Common error

Avoid using "call on" interchangeably with phrases like "call at" or "call in". "Call on" implies a visit to a person or a request for action, while "call at" usually refers to a place and "call in" refers to contacting via phone or radio.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "call on" primarily functions as a verb indicating an action, either to visit someone or to request something from them. As Ludwig AI suggests, it can also be used to select someone to provide an answer.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "call on" is a versatile term with multiple meanings, primarily revolving around visiting someone or requesting something from them. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical status and frequent usage. It is commonly found in News & Media and Academia, with a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal contexts. When writing, it's important to ensure that the context clarifies whether you are referring to a visit, a request, or selecting someone to speak. Related phrases include "visit", "ask", and "turn to", each offering slight variations in meaning. To avoid confusion, distinguish "call on" from similar phrases like "call at" or "call in".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

turn to

Implies seeking help or support from someone, mirroring the reliance aspect of "call on".

visit

This alternative refers specifically to the action of going to see someone.

ask

This alternative implies a request or demand, similar to calling upon someone for assistance.

request

This term suggests a formal appeal or invitation, similar to calling upon someone for a specific task.

appeal to

This option conveys a sense of making a serious or urgent request.

seek out

Suggests actively looking for someone to provide assistance or guidance.

select

Implies choosing someone for a particular role or task.

consult with

This phrase emphasizes the act of seeking advice or counsel from someone.

designate

This alternative suggests formally appointing someone to a position or responsibility.

summon

This implies a formal or authoritative request for someone to appear or provide something.

FAQs

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

You can use "call on" to mean visiting someone, such as "I should "call on" my grandmother this weekend". It can also mean to ask someone to speak, such as "The teacher will "call on" you next".

What does it mean to "call on" someone for help?

To "call on" someone for help means to request or ask them for assistance. For example, "We may need to "call on" our neighbors if the storm worsens".

Which is correct, "call on" or "call upon"?

"Call on" and "call upon" are often interchangeable, but "call upon" can sometimes imply a more formal or serious request. Both phrases are correct depending on the context.

What's the difference between "call on" and "visit"?

"Call on" and "visit" can both mean going to see someone, but "visit" is a more general term, while ""call on"" can also imply a brief or formal visit, or requesting assistance.