call to arms

USAGE SUMMARY

"call to arms" is a correct and commonly-used phrase in written English.
It means a strong request or urging for people to take action or prepare for a battle or conflict. Example: "The politician's speech was a powerful call to arms for the citizens to stand up and fight for their rights."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Call to Arms (1968) is his autobiography.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"But I need that abrasive energy, that call to arms.

Independent

But not much of a surprise, or call to arms.

BBC

Call to Arms: Fund We Not Them.

Huffington Post

The Call To Arms.

Columbia University

It's a call to arms".

The New York Times

The call to arms.

The Guardian

It was a clever call to arms.

The New York Times

Then he issued a call to arms.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

They were a call-to-arms".

The Guardian

The piece also included a call-to-arms against Kavanaugh.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "call to arms" when you want to strongly encourage a group of people to take action on a specific issue or cause. Make sure the context involves a challenge or need for collective effort.

Common error

Avoid using "call to arms" in situations that require individual effort or where the problem is minor. This phrase is best suited for circumstances needing widespread support and significant action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "call to arms" functions as a noun phrase that acts as an appeal or incitement to action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it suggests a strong request for people to take action. Examples show it used in various contexts to urge collective effort.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

14%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "call to arms" is a commonly used phrase that serves as a potent appeal for collective action. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and common usage, defining it as a strong request for individuals to take action or prepare for a conflict. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academia, the phrase carries a neutral register, making it versatile for various communication styles. When employing "call to arms", aim for scenarios demanding broad participation and significant endeavors, while steering clear of individual or minor issues. Alternatives like "rallying cry" or "urgent appeal" can offer nuanced expressions depending on the context. The phrase effectively rallies support, mirroring its frequent application in motivating collective engagement across diverse fields.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rallying cry

This alternative focuses on unifying people for a common cause, emphasizing solidarity.

call for mobilization

This alternative suggests organizing and preparing resources or people for a specific purpose.

summons to action

This alternative evokes a sense of duty and obligation to respond.

battle cry

This alternative evokes a more aggressive and militant tone compared to the original phrase.

impassioned plea

This alternative conveys a strong emotional appeal, seeking to move people to take action.

plea for action

This alternative is a formal request, with more emphasis on asking rather than demanding.

urgent appeal

This alternative emphasizes the immediate need for help or action, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.

demand for change

This alternative emphasizes the need for transformation, often in a political or social context.

wake-up call

This alternative suggests a sudden realization or awareness that prompts action, differing from a direct request.

request for assistance

This alternative is a polite and formal way of asking for help, lacking the urgency of the original phrase.

FAQs

How can I use "call to arms" in a sentence?

You can use "call to arms" to express an urgent request for action. For example, "The environmentalist's speech was a "call to arms" for people to reduce their carbon footprint." Or you can say "The coach's speech was a "call to arms" before the final game."

What's a good substitute for "call to arms"?

Consider using alternatives like "rallying cry", "urgent appeal", or "plea for action" depending on the specific context and desired tone.

Is "call to arms" an idiom?

"Call to arms" functions as an idiom, representing a figurative and urgent appeal for action or support, rather than a literal call to military service.

What is the difference between "call to arms" and "declaration of war"?

A "call to arms" is a figurative appeal for action or support, whereas a "declaration of war" is a formal and official announcement of military conflict.