give a call

USAGE SUMMARY

"give a call" is an acceptable phrase in written English.
It can be used as an informal way of saying "call someone". For example, "If you need any help, give me a call anytime."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

"Give a call to Newt Gingrich.

The New York Times

"Give a call to Goldman and you have a choice of all these global exchanges," says an official in Asia.

The Economist

He has a message for the DA's office: "Once a month, give a call to this family.

The Guardian

"We say, 'If anyone threatens you, give a call.' The foot patrols are key: when you see someone walking down your street, when you see a face — it's different," Brooks said.

The New Yorker

If when you get home you can't figure out what to do with that green cream, just give a call; she'll be happy to explain it to you again.

The New York Times - Magazine

To see a politician give a call and tens of thousands roar in response reminds you of the incredible powers that are transferred to the American President, whose will can become the world's.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

The UN had given a call that by 2010 they would address 100 million.

Forbes

The magical deer gives a call of help in Rama's voice.

Wikipedia

Give a friend a call?

Huffington Post

Sparky gave me permission to give him a call.

The Guardian - Sport

" 'I Call It Morning,' 'Give Her a Call.' " "He'll give you a call," Little said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "give a call" in informal settings where a friendly and casual tone is appropriate. For example, "If you have any questions, give me a call."

Common error

Avoid using "give a call" in formal or professional communication. Opt for more direct phrases like "call me" or "contact me" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "give a call" functions as an idiomatic expression used to suggest or request someone to make a phone call. Ludwig highlights its common usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

25%

Science & Research

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "give a call" is a common idiomatic expression used to suggest making a phone call, primarily in informal contexts. Ludwig shows the phrase appears frequently in news and media, as well as wiki sources. While grammatically correct, it's advisable to use more direct or formal alternatives like "call me" or "contact me by phone" in professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

phone someone

A more direct and concise way to say "give a call".

call someone

A simpler and more common alternative.

make a phone call to someone

More verbose and emphasizes the action of making a call.

reach out to someone by phone

More formal and emphasizes the method of communication.

contact someone by telephone

Highly formal, suitable for professional contexts.

give someone a ring

Informal, British English alternative.

drop someone a line

More casual; suggests a quick communication, not necessarily a full conversation.

dial someone's number

Focuses on the mechanical action of calling.

get in touch with someone

General phrase for establishing communication.

buzz someone

Very informal and can imply a short, quick call.

FAQs

How can I use "give a call" in a sentence?

You can use "give a call" to suggest someone contact you by phone. For example, "Give me a call if you need anything" or "Give us a call to schedule an appointment".

What can I say instead of "give a call"?

You can use alternatives like "call me", "phone me", or "contact me" depending on the context.

Is "give a call" appropriate for formal communication?

While "give a call" is widely understood, it is generally better suited for informal settings. In formal contexts, using phrases like "please call" or "contact me by phone" is more appropriate.

What's the difference between "give a call" and "call"?

"Give a call" is an idiomatic expression that means the same as "call", but it is slightly more informal. "Call" is a direct and neutral way to request someone to phone you.