called out for

USAGE SUMMARY

"called out for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express someone being criticized, noticed, or brought attention to. For example: "The mayor was called out for his lack of transparency in the latest scandal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Rodriguez was eventually called out for interference.

The New York Times

She called out for milk.

The New Yorker

The mare called out for hours.

The Guardian - Books

Rodriguez was called out for interference.

The New York Times - Sports

The Hipnic jam band called out for a drummer.

The New York Times

Maier called out for the shoot to stop.

The New Yorker

Members of the crowd called out for revenge.

The New York Times

He called out for help and took in more water.

The New Yorker

It was a speech that called out for a plan.

The New York Times

The squad already has been called out for three emergencies.

The New York Times

Spotting a pedestrian, I called out for directions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "called out for" when you want to highlight public criticism or accountability for a specific action or behavior.

Common error

Avoid using "called out for" when you mean "called for", which implies a need or request. "Called out for" indicates criticism or being held accountable, while "called for" suggests something is required or necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "called out for" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that someone or something is the recipient of criticism or attention. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s about being noticed, criticized, or brought to attention.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "called out for" is a commonly used passive verb phrase that signifies public criticism or being held accountable. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and primarily functions to draw attention to questionable actions or behaviors. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, its neutral register makes it suitable for various levels of formality. While "called out for" is widely used, it's essential to differentiate it from "called for", which implies a need or request. Understanding these nuances ensures effective and accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

criticized for

Emphasizes negative evaluation or disapproval.

reprimanded for

Suggests a formal rebuke or scolding.

held accountable for

Focuses on responsibility and consequences.

summoned for

Implies being officially requested or ordered to appear.

taken to task for

Indicates a thorough and often critical examination.

chastised for

Implies a verbal punishment or strong disapproval.

admonished for

Suggests a gentle but firm warning.

rebuked for

Indicates a sharp disapproval or criticism.

blasted for

Implies a strong, public criticism.

censured for

Suggests formal disapproval, often by an authority.

FAQs

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

You can use "called out for" to indicate that someone is being publicly criticized or held accountable for something. For example, "The politician was called out for his controversial remarks."

What's the difference between "called out for" and "called for"?

"Called out for" implies criticism or being held responsible, while "called for" means something is needed or requested. For example, "The team was called out for their poor performance" versus "The situation called for immediate action."

What are some alternatives to "called out for"?

Alternatives include "criticized for", "reprimanded for", or "held accountable for", depending on the specific context.

Is "called out for" formal or informal?

"Called out for" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it's more common in news and media reporting.