formal call on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "formal call on" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts where someone is making an official visit or request, often in a diplomatic or professional setting. Example: "The ambassador made a formal call on the president to discuss trade relations." Alternative expressions include "official visit" and "formal visit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The 326-year-old insurance market, whose members write insurance business worldwide, believes the time has come for a formal call on the industry to take into account various climate-change scenarios to avoid unpredictable losses to businesses.

The Guardian - Business

He recounts some social functions he attended during his Navy days: A formal call on the Admiral in charge of the Bureau of Aeronautics in Washington, and how he, socially, got off on the wrong foot by telling the Admiral that he hadn't been able to find living quarters in Washington.

The New Yorker

I later discovered that Ambassador Wilson had never made a formal call on the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps -- a major faux pas in a place where they are so hung up on protocol.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

By the time Owsley made the formal call for volunteers on May 22, 1846, an entire regiment of Kentucky troops had already been organized.

Wikipedia

At the meeting, I announced a formal Call to Action on behalf of the NGOs4MentalHealth Group, a coalition of various NGOs who identified key barriers and solutions for implementing and scaling up mental health programs across the world.

HuffPost

While announcing the correction, Shelanski added another layer of transparency and an opportunity for further refinements of the numbers: a formal call for public comments on the way the cost of carbon figure is calculated, open through Feb. 26.

Huffington Post

A man who is at his most uncomfortable with formal addresses in formal settings was called on to give one that he knew would set the tone of his first term.

The New York Times

On formal calls with foreign leaders, he sticks to the protocol, but tries to work in some patter — grandkids, food, weather.

The New Yorker

On formal calls with foreign leaders, he sticks to the protocol, but tries to work in some patter grandkids, food, weather.

The New Yorker

In a phone call and in a separate letter, Mr. Reid offered what he has been calling on since April: formal budget talks.

The New York Times

Instructors seemed to have mixed feelings about calling on students during more formal report-back or lecture time.

International Journal of STEM Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In modern business contexts, the phrase can also be used to signify a public and serious request for action, such as a major organization demanding industry-wide change.

Common error

Do not confuse the noun usage in "formal call on" with the phrasal verb "to call on". While they share words, the noun version usually follows an article like 'a' or 'the' and refers to the event itself, whereas the verb indicates the act of visiting or asking.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formal call on" typically functions as a noun phrase followed by a prepositional complement. According to Ludwig, it is often preceded by verbs of action like 'make', 'pay', or 'issue', identifying it as a specific type of social or professional event.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "formal call on" is a precise linguistic tool used to describe high-stakes interactions or public appeals. Ludwig AI data reveals that while it is relatively rare in casual speech, it remains a staple of diplomatic, military, and corporate journalism. It functions most effectively when the writer wants to emphasize that an encounter or a request follows established rules of conduct or carries official weight. Whether describing an ambassador's visit or a market's demand for climate reform, the phrase provides a level of gravitas and professionalism that simpler alternatives like 'visit' or 'ask' lack.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

protocol visit to

Focuses specifically on the rules of etiquette governing the interaction

official visit to

A more common and slightly less stiff alternative for a scheduled meeting

ceremonial visit to

Emphasizes the ritualistic or symbolic nature of the call

diplomatic call on

Specifies the international or state-level nature of the visit

formal appeal to

Used when the phrase refers to a serious request rather than a physical visit

official request to

More direct and practical in a business or administrative context

solemn visit to

Adds a layer of seriousness or gravity to the encounter

formal petition to

Suggests a written or collective request for action

courtesy call on

Describes a visit made out of politeness rather than for business

authoritative demand on

Stronger and more confrontational than a formal call

FAQs

How to use "formal call on" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe an official visit or a serious public request. For example: 'The new ambassador paid a "formal call on" the foreign minister to present his credentials.'

What is the difference between "formal call on" and a "protocol visit"?

A "formal call on" is a broader term that can include both visits and requests, while a "protocol visit" specifically highlights that the meeting is being conducted according to strict social or diplomatic rules.

Can I say "formal call to" instead of "formal call on"?

It depends on the meaning. If you are referring to a visit to a person, "formal call on" is the traditional idiomatic choice. If you are referring to an invitation to act, a "formal call to action" is more appropriate.

Is "formal call on" considered archaic?

While it sounds traditional, it is still actively used in high-level journalism and diplomatic circles. For more common daily use, you might prefer "official meeting".