calling out

USAGE SUMMARY

"calling out" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe when somebody speaks in a loud voice, especially to make a statement or to get somebody's attention. For example, "The teacher called out in a loud voice, demanding the students' attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

(calling out) Reiben, Horvath!

The New Yorker

She was calling out a lot.

Independent

"It's a calling out," she says.

The New York Times

She heard someone calling out in distress.

The New York Times - Sports

"Arkansas!" the calling out continued.

The New Yorker

He hadn't anticipated calling out at all.

The New Yorker

And that means calling out those behaviors.

Harvard Business Review

He's calling out, "No, no, Dad, no".

The Guardian - Music

Or calling out in pain or surprise?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Goodbye, soul brother," Cordero remembers calling out.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Where does this calling-out occur?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "calling out" to mean publicly criticizing someone, ensure you have accurate information and a valid reason to avoid potential defamation.

Common error

Avoid using "calling out" in contexts where a more neutral term like "mentioning" or "noting" would be more appropriate. "Calling out" can imply confrontation or criticism, which might not always be the intended message.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "calling out" is as a verb phrase, specifically the present participle of the phrasal verb "call out". It functions as a continuous action, often describing someone in the act of speaking loudly or publicly addressing an issue. This aligns with Ludwig's analysis and numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

19%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "calling out" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe actions ranging from simply speaking loudly to publicly criticizing someone. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, be aware of its potential for confrontational connotations. Related phrases like "shouting" or "yelling" capture the act of speaking loudly, whereas "criticizing" and "denouncing" reflect the critical aspect. When using "calling out", consider your intended message and audience to ensure it aligns with your communication goals. Be careful to avoid connotations of confrontation when that isn't your goal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shouting

Focuses on the act of raising one's voice to get attention.

yelling

Similar to shouting but can imply a stronger emotional component.

crying out

Emphasizes distress or urgency in the vocalization.

hollering

Suggests a more informal or rural context of loud vocalization.

bawling

Implies loud, unrestrained weeping or shouting.

exclaiming

Highlights the expression of strong emotion or surprise.

announcing

Focuses on the act of formally declaring something.

summoning

Emphasizes the act of calling someone to come.

addressing

Highlights speaking to a person or group.

chastising

Involves scolding or reprimanding someone.

FAQs

How can I use "calling out" in a sentence?

You can use "calling out" in sentences like: "She was calling out for help", or "He is known for calling out injustice".

What's a less confrontational alternative to "calling out"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "calling out" include "mentioning", "noting", or "addressing".

Is "calling out" appropriate in formal writing?

While "calling out" is acceptable in many contexts, consider a more formal alternative like "criticizing" or "denouncing" in formal or academic writing.

What does "calling out" mean in the context of workplace behavior?

In a workplace context, "calling out" often refers to publicly addressing or criticizing someone's inappropriate behavior or actions.