called for duty

USAGE SUMMARY

"called for duty" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when someone has been officially summoned to serve in some official capacity, often military service. Example: After graduating from high school, Mark was called for duty and joined the army.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

At the Javits Center, the line of volunteers dwindled by late afternoon, when a group of young people from East Harlem were finally called for duty.

The New York Times

The bill would also allow government retirees to be rehired to fill in for National Guard members called for duty, without losing their pensions.

The New York Times

Being 'specially exempted' implied that the recruit was not called for duty except in the case of an emergency.

IZA Journal of Labor Economics

The commission, which was chaired by Professor Sally Brown, called for duty rises to be the "main lever" for achieving price increases.

BBC

Grand jury members may be called for duty for months at a time, but need only appear in court for a few days out of every month.

BBC

Originally enrolled in Y Combinator's 2010 program, Magzimof was called for duty in the Israeli army and was forced to cut his program short.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The domestic manufacturers have called for duties of 50 to 250 percent and asked for retroactive duties to block the possibility of a flood of new imports in anticipation of duties.

The New York Times

Seen another way, the state uses only 18 out of 100 people it calls for duty.

The New York Times

For example, the United States-Canadian free-trade agreement, which went into effect on Jan . 1 , 1989calls for duties to be reduced or eliminated on 8,000 categories of products over the next 10 years.

The New York Times

I've been called for jury duty.

Stanford University

11.19am GMT Q: Francis called for a "duty of candour".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "called for duty" when referring to a formal summons or obligation to serve, especially in military or civic contexts. It conveys a sense of official requirement and responsibility.

Common error

Avoid using "called for duty" in informal situations or when simply requesting a favor. This phrase implies a formal obligation, not a casual request.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "called for duty" functions as a passive construction indicating that someone or something is being summoned or required to perform a specific task or service. Ludwig AI indicates that is commonly used to indicate the official summons.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "called for duty" signifies an official summons or requirement to perform a specific task, often in military or civic contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and used to emphasize the obligation to fulfill a designated role. While primarily found in News & Media and Scientific sources, indicating a neutral to formal register, it's essential to use this phrase appropriately. Avoid using it in informal situations, reserving it for scenarios where a formal obligation exists. Semantically related phrases include "summoned to serve" and "mobilized for service". Remember that understanding the nuances and contexts in which "called for duty" is correctly applied will enhance the precision and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Summoned to serve

Emphasizes the act of being officially requested or ordered to perform a service.

Called into action

Implies an urgent need for intervention or participation in an event or situation.

Mobilized for service

Specifically relates to military or emergency contexts, indicating preparation for active duty.

Activated for duty

Implies readiness and commencement of assigned tasks or responsibilities.

Drafted for service

Specifically refers to compulsory military service.

Enlisted for service

Focuses on the act of voluntarily joining a service, often military.

Required to report

Highlights the mandatory aspect of presenting oneself for duty or assignment.

Obligated to perform

Stresses the sense of duty and commitment towards fulfilling a specific task.

Appointed to a role

Highlights the formal designation to a specific position with associated responsibilities.

Assigned to a task

Indicates a formal allocation of responsibilities or duties.

FAQs

What does it mean to be "called for duty"?

To be "called for duty" means to be officially summoned or required to perform a specific task or service, often in the military or for jury duty. It implies a formal obligation rather than a voluntary action.

What are some synonyms for "called for duty"?

Alternatives include "summoned to serve", "mobilized for service", or "activated for duty", depending on the context.

How is "called for duty" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase is usually followed by a specification of the type of duty, such as "called for jury duty", "called for active duty", or "called for reserve duty".

Is it correct to say "called to duty" instead of "called for duty"?

While "called to duty" may be grammatically correct, "called for duty" is the more common and idiomatic expression, particularly in reference to official summons for service.