calling for

USAGE SUMMARY

'calling for' is a correct and commonly used expression in written English.
It is typically used as an idiomatic way of saying "requesting" or "demanding", and is often used in contexts where something is being requested or demanded urgently or strenuously. For example, "The mayor is calling for an immediate halt to police violence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We're calling for help".

The New Yorker

Rallies calling for Pres.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He's not calling for deregulation.

The New York Times

"Of calling for the truth?

The New York Times

"She was calling for God.

The New York Times

That's not calling for sacrifice.

The New York Times

What is he calling for?

The New York Times - Books

Conservative pundits are calling for her head.

The Guardian

The mosques are all calling for help.

The New York Times

He added, "I'm calling for dialogue".

The New York Times

Some are openly calling for reform.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "calling for" to express a strong need or demand for action, change, or assistance. For example, "Experts are "calling for" stricter environmental regulations."

Common error

Avoid replacing "for" with other prepositions like "to" or "on". "Calling to" or "calling on" have different meanings and are not interchangeable with "calling for".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "calling for" functions as a phrasal verb, specifically a prepositional verb. It expresses a demand or request for something. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "calling for" is a grammatically correct and very common phrasal verb used to express a strong request or demand. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's often used in contexts where something is being requested urgently or strenuously. This phrase appears frequently in news and media, formal business contexts, and scientific publications. While generally neutral in register, "calling for" can also convey a sense of urgency or formality, and it is crucial to avoid common errors such as using incorrect prepositions. Its authoritative usage is exemplified by sources like The New York Times, The Guardian, and BBC.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

requesting

Focuses on the act of asking for something politely.

demanding

Implies a firm insistence on something.

appealing for

Suggests a plea for help or support.

urging

Implies a strong encouragement or recommendation.

advocating

Highlights public support for a cause or policy.

pressing for

Emphasizes persistent efforts to obtain something.

soliciting

Implies asking for or trying to obtain something from someone.

summoning

Suggests an official request or command to appear.

beckoning

Implies inviting someone or something to approach.

inviting

Focuses on extending an offer or request politely.

FAQs

How to use "calling for" in a sentence?

Use "calling for" to express a demand or request for something. For example, "The organization is calling for a ceasefire".

What can I say instead of "calling for"?

You can use alternatives like "requesting", "demanding", or "appealing for" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "calling for" or "calling to"?

"Calling for" and "calling to" have different meanings. "Calling for" means requesting or demanding, while "calling to" suggests attracting or summoning.

What's the difference between "calling for" and "asking for"?

"Calling for" often implies a more formal or urgent request than "asking for". "Calling for" can also suggest a public or collective demand.