called for reinforcements

USAGE SUMMARY

"called for reinforcements" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that someone has requested additional assistance or personnel. Example: With the enemy advancing, the Colonel called for reinforcements to help defend the castle.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

I called for reinforcements.

The Washington Post

The officers called for reinforcements.

The New York Times

In withdrawing her proposals, Ms. Schapiro essentially called for reinforcements.

The New York Times

We called for reinforcements from my colleague's offices.

The Guardian - Opinion

Realising they were heavily outnumbered, the Wiltshire force called for reinforcements.

Independent

Rubido said federal forces called for reinforcements that included a helicopter.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

In the mean time, however, South Vietnamese troops in Tien Phuoc could bare held their ground with support from two A-37 bombers, after South Vietnamese commanders on the ground had called for reinforcement from Chu Lai.

Wikipedia

We pleaded with them to call for reinforcements.

The Guardian - Sport

He was calling for reinforcements, not casting aspersions.

The New Yorker

Robinson thought that he was calling for reinforcements.

The New Yorker

The planes can either call for reinforcements or attack from the air.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing historical fiction or military narratives, using "called for reinforcements" can add authenticity to dialogue and descriptions of strategic decision-making.

Common error

Avoid using "called for reinforcements" in situations where a simple request for assistance would suffice. This phrase implies a level of urgency and potential threat that may not be present.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "called for reinforcements" functions as a verb phrase indicating a request for additional support or personnel. It commonly signifies a need for help due to being outnumbered, outgunned, or facing an overwhelming challenge. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "called for reinforcements" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig. It serves the purpose of indicating a request for additional support, often in urgent or challenging situations. While mainly appearing in news and media, as well as historical and military contexts, the phrase maintains a neutral tone. Remember to use this phrase when the situation genuinely warrants a request for extra help and avoid overuse in everyday situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

requested backup

Emphasizes the need for immediate assistance, often in a tactical or emergency situation. Focuses on the supporting units or personnel.

sought assistance

A more formal and general term for asking for help, applicable in various contexts beyond military or emergency situations.

appealed for support

Implies a more urgent or emotional request, often when facing significant challenges or opposition.

asked for aid

A straightforward and neutral way to express a request for help, suitable for various situations.

summoned assistance

Suggests a formal or authoritative call for help, often from a distance or through established channels.

enlisted aid

Implies a deliberate effort to gain support, often by convincing others to join or contribute.

rallied support

Focuses on gathering a group of people or resources to provide assistance, often in a collective effort.

requisitioned assistance

A formal term used in military or bureaucratic contexts to request resources through official channels.

alerted additional units

More specific, usually refers to military or emergency services informing other units to be ready for deployment.

mobilized support

Emphasizes the act of preparing and organizing resources or personnel for deployment or assistance.

FAQs

What does "called for reinforcements" mean?

The phrase "called for reinforcements" means that someone has requested additional personnel or resources to provide support, typically in a situation where they are outnumbered or facing significant challenges.

What can I say instead of "called for reinforcements"?

You can use alternatives like "requested backup", "sought assistance", or "appealed for support" depending on the context.

Is "called for reinforcements" formal or informal?

The phrase "called for reinforcements" is generally considered neutral, suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it often appears in more serious or urgent situations.

How to use "called for reinforcements" in a sentence?

Example: "Seeing the enemy advance, the commander "called for reinforcements" to defend the strategic position."