calls

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "calls" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, such as when referring to making a phone call, naming something, or expressing a demand or request. Example: "She calls her dog every evening to come inside for dinner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Calls for the implementation of a so-called Trayvon's Law, drafted by the historic National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and supported by the thousands of young protesters, have also fallen flat in states around the country.

The Guardian

Pinker calls this offense "a schoolteacher rule" that is "a product of the usual three confusions: English with Latin, informal style with incorrect grammar, and syntax with semantics".

The Economist

Assange calls the site "an uncensorable system for untraceable mass document leaking and public analysis," and a government or company that wanted to remove content from WikiLeaks would have to practically dismantle the Internet itself.

The Economist

Tony Abbott is holding firm against calls to send Australian medical experts to west Africa to help contain the Ebola virus, saying that other countries have yet to give firm commitments to assist in evacuations.

The Guardian

Houses still sit empty, and there are calls for the government and Rio Tinto to make the dwellings available for public housing.

The Guardian

It calls on the new government to fully fund council tax support, acknowledging that the scheme costs the councils millions of pounds and has increased the cost of living for some of the poorest.

The Guardian

Typically, Der Spiegel calls it "bad news for Europe".

The Guardian - Opinion

Navi Pillay credited Snowden with starting a global debate that has led to calls for the curtailment of state powers to snoop on citizens online and store their data.

The Guardian

London's mayor, Boris Johnson, united with London Councils and the Core Cities group – made up of the eight largest cities in the UK – in calls for local politicians to have more power to raise and retain taxes.

The Guardian

The modern game's most decorated player Adam Goodes wants to play reserves rather than be an AFL substitute amid fresh calls for the sub to be scrapped.

The Guardian - Sport

But what does it all mean as Europe gently frazzles and David Goodhart, ex-editor of Prospect, now director of the Demos thinktank, pens an ambitious FT article (paywall) promoting a new settlement for British politics, what he calls "post-liberalism"?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "calls" to refer to phone conversations, be specific if the context isn't clear. For example, instead of saying, "I received several calls", specify "I received several phone calls".

Common error

Ensure you're using the plural form "calls" correctly. "Call's" is possessive, as in "the call's purpose", and "call" is singular, as in "make a call". Double-check your sentence structure to use the correct form.

Linguistic Context

The word "calls" primarily functions as a noun, typically plural, referring to instances of contacting someone, often via telephone or expressing a need. As Ludwig AI indicates, it correctly conveys the intended message in various written English contexts. See, for example, "Tony Abbott is holding firm against calls to send Australian medical experts to west Africa..."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "calls" is a versatile and very common term, predominantly used as a plural noun to denote requests, demands, or communications, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, especially in news and media. When using "calls", ensure clarity by specifying the type of call (e.g., phone calls, distress calls) to avoid ambiguity. Common errors involve confusing it with the possessive "call's" or singular "call". Alternatives like "demands" or "requests" can provide more precision depending on the context. As a final recommendation, always proofread to ensure correct usage, especially when distinguishing it from possessive or singular forms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

phone calls

This specifies the medium of communication as telephonic, unlike the more general term "calls".

demands

This alternative emphasizes a firm request or requirement, differing from "calls" which can also imply simple communication.

requests

This alternative suggests a more polite or formal appeal, as opposed to the broader meaning of "calls".

appeals

This implies a serious or urgent request, often with an emotional component, differing from neutral "calls".

pleas

This suggests a humble and earnest request, often in a desperate situation, differing from neutral "calls".

summons

This suggests a formal or official directive to appear or convene, unlike the general term "calls".

communications

This alternative focuses on the act of conveying information or messages, as opposed to the initiation of contact implied by "calls".

invitations

This refers specifically to asking someone to an event or activity, a more specific meaning than "calls".

shouts

Implies a loud vocalization or outcry, differing from the broader communicative sense of "calls".

cries

This suggests emotional utterances or exclamations, a subset of the broader meaning of "calls".

FAQs

How can I use "calls" in a sentence?

You can use "calls" in sentences like, "The company receives numerous "phone calls" daily", or "There were "calls for reform" after the scandal".

What's the difference between "calls for" and "demands"?

"Calls for" implies a public expression of a need or desire, while "demands" suggests a more forceful and insistent request. "Calls for" can be a precursor to more assertive "demands".

Is it appropriate to use "calls" in formal writing?

Yes, "calls" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when referring to official requests, demands, or forms of communication. However, consider alternatives like "requests" or "communications" for added precision.

What can I say instead of "responding to calls"?

Alternatives include "answering "requests"", "addressing "appeals"", or "acknowledging "communications"", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.