calls upon

USAGE SUMMARY

"calls upon" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is an idiomatic phrase which means to formally ask, invoke or implore someone or a group to do something. For example: "The mayor calls upon the citizens of the city to volunteer at the local food bank."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To pace herself, she calls upon technique.

The New York Times

He calls upon them now for comfort.

The New Yorker

A reticent governor calls upon the National Guard.

University of California, Berkeley

Antonia calls upon her mother's portrait to help her.

Britannica

Scotland Yard often calls upon him in moments of bafflement.

The New York Times

She calls upon an external deity only once.

The Guardian - Film

It calls upon Renaissance musicians to serenade her son.

The Guardian - Music

Preparing for a mentally demanding task calls upon cognitive and motivational resources.

Neuropsychologia

However, the allocation of the available capacity to the learning calls upon learners‟ motivation.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

Rather than accepting this fate, heboldly fights back and calls upon the government to change things.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The report calls upon the South African government to strengthen its prevention and response efforts.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "calls upon" when you want to emphasize a formal request or expectation from someone or an organization. For example, "The United Nations calls upon all nations to reduce carbon emissions."

Common error

While grammatically correct, "calls upon" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. In informal settings, consider using alternatives like "asks" or "requests" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "calls upon" functions as a verb phrase, specifically the third-person singular present tense of the phrasal verb "call upon". As Ludwig AI points out, it signifies a formal request or appeal, often directed towards an authority or group.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Academia

30%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Science

6%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "calls upon" is a verb phrase used to make a formal request or appeal. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. While "calls upon" appears most frequently in news and media, it is also common in academic writing and encyclopedias, indicating a register that is generally neutral to formal. When writing, it's best to use "calls upon" to emphasize the seriousness of the request and to avoid overusing it in informal conversation. Alternatives include phrases like "appeals to", "invokes", and "relies on", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appeals to

Focuses on making an earnest or formal request.

invokes

Suggests a more formal or ceremonial appeal, often to a higher authority or principle.

relies on

Emphasizes dependence on something for support or assistance.

draws on

Implies utilizing something as a resource or source of inspiration.

turns to

Indicates seeking help or guidance from someone or something.

enlists the help of

Specifically refers to seeking assistance from another person or group.

solicits

Implies asking for something, such as support or opinions, often in a formal manner.

seeks assistance from

Directly states the act of looking for aid or support.

implores

Highlights a desperate or urgent request.

requests formally

Emphasizes the official nature of the request.

FAQs

What does "calls upon" mean?

"Calls upon" means to formally ask, request, or appeal to someone to do something. It suggests a sense of authority or urgency.

How to use "calls upon" in a sentence?

You can use "calls upon" when you want to make a formal request or appeal. For example: "The organization "calls upon" the government to take action".

What can I say instead of "calls upon"?

You can use alternatives like "appeals to", "invokes", or "relies on" depending on the context.

Is "call on" the same as "calls upon"?

While related, "call on" typically means to visit or ask someone to speak or participate, while "calls upon" signifies a more formal request or appeal for action. They are not interchangeable in all contexts.