calling me back

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "calling me back" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone returning a phone call or responding to a previous communication. Example: "I left a message earlier, and I'm hoping they will be calling me back soon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Why aren't my friends calling me back?

The New Yorker

Why isn't that apartment calling me back?

The Washington Post

"Ireland keeps calling me back," she said.

The New York Times

I couldn't fathom why she wasn't calling me back.

The New York Times

"They just kept calling me back," he said.

The New York Times

"You're calling me back to retract your concession," Bush said.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

"Call me back".

The New York Times

Please call me back".

The New Yorker

"Jeff Wilpon called me back.

The New York Times - Sports

Nobody has called me back.

The New York Times - Sports

"Call me back," she says.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "calling me back" when you want to emphasize the act of someone returning a phone call after you've initiated contact. It's suitable for both formal and informal communication.

Common error

Avoid using "calling me back" when the person is initiating contact for the first time. This phrase implies a return communication, not a first contact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "calling me back" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a future action of returning a phone call. As Ludwig shows, it is commonly used to describe the expectation or request for someone to return a phone call.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0.5%

Reference

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "calling me back" is a common and grammatically sound verbal phrase used to express the expectation or hope that someone will return a phone call. As Ludwig illustrates, it frequently appears in news and media contexts. While the phrase maintains a neutral register, alternative phrases like "returning my call" may suit more formal communication. Remember to use "calling me back" when someone has missed your call, and you are awaiting their response. The phrase is deemed correct and usable in written English by Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

returning my call

Focuses on the action of returning a call specifically to the speaker.

phoning me back

Uses a different verb but maintains the same meaning.

giving me a call back

Adds a slight emphasis on the act of giving a call.

getting back to me

A more general term for responding to a communication.

answering my call

Focuses on the act of answering a previous call.

contacting me again

Broadens the method of communication beyond just phone calls.

replying to my message

Specifies that the communication is a response to a message.

getting in touch with me

A general way of saying someone is making contact.

reaching out to me

A more formal way of saying someone is making contact.

responding to my inquiry

More formal and specific, indicating a response to a question.

FAQs

How to use "calling me back" in a sentence?

You can use "calling me back" to indicate that you are expecting someone to return your phone call. For example, "I left a message and I expect him "to call me back" soon".

What's a more formal alternative to "calling me back"?

In a formal context, you might prefer phrases like "returning my call" or "contacting me in response". These alternatives sound more professional than "calling me back".

Is "calling me back" different from "getting back to me"?

"Calling me back" specifically refers to a phone call, while "getting back to me" is a more general phrase that encompasses any form of communication, such as email or text.

When is it appropriate to use "calling me back"?

It's appropriate to use "calling me back" when someone has missed your call or you have left them a message, and you are expecting them to return your call at a later time.