calls for

USAGE SUMMARY

"calls for" is correct and useable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to making a request or demand. For example: This situation calls for immediate action.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This calls for Champagne!

The New York Times

"Calls for speculation".

The New Yorker

Orlofsky calls for champagne.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He calls for help.

The New York Times

calls for austerity.

The New York Times

This calls for stragety.

The New York Times

Calls for more freedom.

The New York Times

It calls for precision.

The New Yorker

Recent experience calls for scepticism.

The Economist

It calls for a stripper".

The New Yorker

"It calls for violent revolution.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "calls for", ensure that the subject clearly necessitates the action or thing being called for. For example, "The crisis calls for immediate intervention."

Common error

Avoid using "calls for" in very informal or casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "needs" or "requires" to maintain a natural tone. Instead of saying "This party calls for pizza", try "We need pizza for this party".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "calls for" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating a requirement, demand, or request. Ludwig examples show it used to express that a situation needs a particular action or ingredient.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

4%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "calls for" is a versatile verb phrase used to express a need, demand, or request. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts. It's particularly common in news and media, as well as encyclopedic and scientific sources. While "calls for" implies a necessity, alternative phrases like "demands" or "requires" can be used depending on the desired level of formality. When writing, remember to ensure that the subject genuinely necessitates what is being called for, and avoid overusing it in very informal settings. By understanding its function and context, you can effectively use the phrase "calls for" to convey a sense of urgency and necessity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

demands

This alternative directly conveys a strong need or requirement, similar to a forceful "calls for".

requires

This suggests a necessity or condition that must be met, akin to what a situation "calls for".

necessitates

This indicates that something is unavoidable or essential, much like a "calls for" situation.

requests

This suggests a formal or polite asking for something, sharing a similar purpose of "calls for".

appeals for

This indicates a plea or earnest request, similar to "calls for" when seeking support or assistance.

advocates for

This suggests publicly supporting or recommending a particular cause or policy, as "calls for" might do.

urges

This implies a strong encouragement or recommendation, similar to what "calls for" might suggest.

promotes

This suggests encouraging or popularizing, which "calls for" might do in the sense of advocating a cause.

cries out for

This indicates a desperate need or demand, emphasizing the urgency of what "calls for" is requesting.

is in need of

This alternative conveys a requirement or necessity similar to what a situation "calls for".

FAQs

How can I use "calls for" in a sentence?

You can use "calls for" to indicate that a situation requires or demands a specific action or response. For example, "The situation "calls for" immediate action" or "The recipe "calls for" specific ingredients".

What are some alternatives to "calls for"?

Alternatives to "calls for" include "requires", "demands", "necessitates", "requests", or "appeals for". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "calls for" formal or informal?

"Calls for" is generally considered neutral to formal. It is appropriate for news reports, academic papers, and professional communications, but may sound somewhat out of place in very casual conversations.

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

"Calls for" implies a greater degree of necessity or urgency than "asks for". "Calls for" suggests a demand based on the situation, while "asks for" is a simpler request.