coming to call

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "coming to call" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone arriving to visit or make a request, often in a casual or informal context. Example: "I heard that Sarah is coming to call this afternoon to discuss the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

But this afternoon it was 21st-century Germany, Ms. Merkel's Germany, that was coming to call.

The New York Times

(John Berryman, a much younger poet, said coming to call upon him was like asking "Is Ben Jonson here?") And Pound, in his old age, living in Venice, received many young admirers of his own.

The New Yorker

Why were her photo albums in this junk shop in Brooklyn?" They conceded that the appearance of Real Natalie might ruin the site: "The fantasy somewhat thrives on reality never coming to call".

The New York Times - Tech

But what was revelatory was Obama's bold decision – a long time coming – to call for an America in which people agree to disagree, and to assert this in a place where dissent has not traditionally been tolerated.

The Guardian - Opinion

There are many great details — a closeup shot of Nicki's feet bouncing up and down with excitement when she hears that her father is coming to call, polygamists from the compound driving along singing an old-time gospel song while a new-world G.P.S. device beeps and says, "Turn right".

The New Yorker

It is Milošević 's adoption of this Greater Serbianism, rooted in past oppressions of the Serbs by others, that fueled his ethnic wars, or what historians are more properly coming to call the wars of Yugoslav succession.

Johns Hopkins University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

That, I have come to call reality.

The New York Times - Arts

Celebrities come to call.

The New York Times

And failure, too, soon came to call.

The Guardian - Books

Sometimes, the younger generation comes to call.

The New York Times

Although everyone came to call her Troy.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "coming to call" when you want to evoke a sense of tradition or formality in describing a visit. It's particularly suitable when the purpose of the visit is somewhat significant or involves a social call.

Common error

Avoid using "coming to call" in very informal or modern contexts where a more direct term like "visiting" or "dropping by" would sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "coming to call" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of visiting someone. It implies a planned visit, often with a specific purpose, and carries a slightly formal or traditional tone. Ludwig examples highlight its use in describing visits by notable figures or in situations with social significance.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

11%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "coming to call" describes the act of visiting someone, often with a purpose or in a manner more formal than a casual visit. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides examples of its usage in reputable sources, mainly from news and media. While "visiting" and "calling on" serve as more common alternatives, "coming to call" retains a distinct nuance, suitable for contexts where a traditional or slightly formal tone is desired. Overusing it in overly casual situations might sound unnatural. It's important to acknowledge that while the phrase is correct, it isn't as frequently used in contemporary settings as its simpler synonyms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

calling on

Similar in meaning, but slightly more formal and can also imply a brief visit.

visiting

This is a more direct and neutral term for a social visit.

paying a visit

A more formal and deliberate way to say visiting.

dropping by

Implies an informal and often spontaneous visit.

stopping in

Similar to dropping by, but perhaps slightly less spontaneous.

arriving for a visit

More descriptive and less idiomatic than "coming to call".

making an appearance

Suggests a brief or formal visit, often in a public context.

showing up

A more informal and general term for arriving, without necessarily implying a social visit.

presenting themselves

A very formal way to say arriving, often suggesting a specific purpose.

turning up

Similar to showing up, but can also imply an unexpected arrival.

FAQs

What does "coming to call" mean?

The phrase "coming to call" means visiting someone, often with a specific purpose or in a slightly formal or traditional context. It implies more than just a casual visit.

When is it appropriate to use "coming to call"?

It's appropriate when referring to a planned visit, especially one that carries some social significance or formality. For instance, you might say "Ms. Merkel was coming to call" to emphasize the importance of her visit.

What can I say instead of "coming to call"?

You can use alternatives like "visiting", "calling on", or "dropping by" depending on the context.

Is "coming to call" formal or informal?

The phrase "coming to call" is generally considered more formal than simple alternatives like "visiting". It suggests a more deliberate and perhaps traditional social interaction.