called for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "called for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to mean that something is necessary or has been previously requested. For example, "The situation called for an urgent response."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She called for Champagne.

The New York Times

Conditions called for caution.

The New Yorker

They called for brandy.

The New Yorker

Others called for calm.

The New York Times

Someone called for quiet.

The New Yorker

Politicians called for blood.

The New York Times

He called for "armed resistance".

The New York Times

He again called for backup.

The New York Times

Others called for further study.

The New York Times - Magazine

Horses can be called for.

The New York Times

Immediate action was called for.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "called for", ensure the context clearly indicates whether it means 'requested' or 'required' to avoid ambiguity. For instance, "The recipe called for three eggs" versus "The situation called for immediate action."

Common error

Avoid using "called for" when a more precise verb would better convey the intended meaning. Overusing it can make your writing vague. Consider alternatives like "demanded", "requested", or "necessitated" depending on the specific context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "called for" primarily functions as a verb phrase, typically as the past tense or past participle of the verb "call for". According to Ludwig AI, it generally signifies that something was either requested or that a specific action or item was needed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "called for" is a verb phrase that signifies either a request or a necessity, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in News & Media, its register is neutral, making it suitable for diverse contexts. While grammatically correct and very common, writers should be mindful of its potential ambiguity, opting for more precise verbs when appropriate. Consider related phrases like "requested", "demanded", or "required" to fine-tune your message. Remember, context is key to ensuring clarity and impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

requested

Directly implies a formal or explicit request, removing the potential ambiguity of "called for".

asked for

A more informal and direct way of saying "called for", suitable for casual contexts.

demanded

Emphasizes a firm and authoritative request, suggesting a sense of urgency or entitlement.

necessitated

Highlights the necessity of something, focusing on the compelling reason rather than the act of requesting.

required

Indicates a mandatory condition or prerequisite, often in formal or official contexts.

appealed for

Suggests a plea or earnest request, often used when seeking help or support.

sought

Indicates an effort to obtain or achieve something, often implying a proactive approach.

summoned

Implies a formal or authoritative call to appear or convene.

there was a need for

Shifts the focus to the existence of a requirement or necessity, rather than an explicit action.

inquired about

Focuses on seeking information or making an inquiry, rather than a direct request or demand.

FAQs

What does "called for" mean?

"Called for" can mean 'requested' or 'required', depending on the context. It implies a need or demand for something.

How can I use "called for" in a sentence?

You can use "called for" to indicate that something was requested, as in "She "called for a cab"", or to indicate that something was necessary, as in "The situation "called for patience"".

What can I say instead of "called for"?

Alternatives to "called for" include "requested", "demanded", "required", or "necessitated" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "called for"?

It's appropriate to use "called for" when you want to indicate that something was either requested or required, but consider whether a more specific verb would provide greater clarity.