call the authorities

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'call the authorities' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to getting help from the police, fire department, or other official organization in a given situation. For example, "The situation was getting out of hand, so I made the decision to call the authorities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Don't call the authorities.

The Guardian

Would I call the authorities immediately?

The New York Times

We had to call the authorities.

The New Yorker

We call the authorities so that they can be rescued.

The Guardian

"If I don't hear from you in two days, I call the authorities".

The New Yorker

At the first hint of abuse, call the authorities and open an investigation.

The New York Times

A testy downstairs neighbor has threatened to call the authorities, annoyed by the girls' playing loudly.

The New York Times

He wanted to call the authorities there and then and turn him in.

The Guardian - Opinion

"So they're going to be very afraid to call the authorities if they see something," he said.

The New York Times

Federal officials have advised mailroom workers to set aside suspicious packages and call the authorities at once.

The New York Times

The driver managed to get out of his vehicle and call the authorities to alert them to the danger.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation requiring immediate intervention, use "call the authorities" to clearly indicate the need for official assistance. For example: "Upon discovering the break-in, the homeowner decided to call the authorities immediately."

Common error

Avoid using "call the authorities" in casual conversations where a less formal expression like "call the cops" or "get help" would be more appropriate. Save "call the authorities" for situations where official action is explicitly required.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "call the authorities" functions as a directive or recommendation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it correctly instructs or suggests contacting official entities like police or fire departments, commonly used to solicit assistance or report incidents.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

25%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "call the authorities" is a grammatically sound and very common expression used to instruct or recommend contacting official entities like the police or fire department. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used in contexts such as news reports, Wiki articles, and formal communications. Usage analysis reveals that it's crucial to employ this phrase in situations requiring official intervention, distinguishing it from more casual alternatives like "call the cops". While generally neutral to formal, avoiding overuse in informal settings ensures its impact and appropriateness. Overall, "call the authorities" serves as a clear and direct way to indicate the need for official assistance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

notify the police

Specifically involves informing the police department about a situation or incident.

contact law enforcement

Focuses specifically on police involvement, omitting other types of authorities.

get in touch with the police

Involves making contact with the police force to report an issue.

alert emergency services

Emphasizes the urgency and need for immediate assistance, often implying situations requiring medical or fire response.

request police presence

Emphasizes the need for the physical presence of law enforcement officers.

inform the officials

Broader, encompassing various types of officials, not just law enforcement.

report to the relevant agency

Highlights the act of providing information to the appropriate organization or department.

seek official intervention

Focuses on obtaining help or assistance from official channels.

summon assistance

Suggests a more urgent need for immediate help and intervention.

raise the alarm

Emphasizes an alert to a dangerous situation that requires immediate attention by authorities.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to "call the authorities"?

It's appropriate to "call the authorities" when facing situations that require official intervention, such as crimes, emergencies, or situations beyond personal control.

What's the difference between "call the authorities" and "notify the police"?

"Call the authorities" is broader, encompassing various official entities, while "notify the police" specifically refers to contacting law enforcement.

Are there situations where you shouldn't "call the authorities"?

In minor disputes or situations that can be resolved personally without escalating the situation, it may be better to avoid "call the authorities". However, always prioritize safety and legality.

What should I do if I accidentally "call the authorities"?

If you accidentally "call the authorities", explain the situation clearly to the operator. If possible, provide your location and details to prevent unnecessary responses.