it calls for

USAGE SUMMARY

"it calls for" can be used in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a request for something, and is usually followed by a noun or phrase. For example, "The situation calls for immediate action."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It calls for precision.

The New Yorker

It calls for a stripper".

The New Yorker

"It calls for violent revolution.

The New York Times

It calls for good management.

The Economist

It calls for careful navigation".

Independent

"It calls for unprecedented measures".

Independent

It calls for a strategy.

The New York Times

It calls for unilateral British atomic disarmament.

The New Yorker

It calls for sanctions against both countries.

The Economist

It calls for a glass of sherry.

The Economist

It calls for no public money.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it calls for" to introduce a proposed solution or course of action that addresses a specific problem or need.

Common error

While "it calls for" is acceptable, avoid overusing it, especially in formal contexts. Vary your language by using synonyms like "it requires" or "it necessitates" to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

"It calls for" functions as a verb phrase indicating necessity or requirement. It typically introduces a needed action, resource, or quality. Ludwig examples show it frequently preceding a noun phrase, such as "It calls for immediate, decisive steps."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

12%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it calls for" is a versatile phrase used to express a need, demand, or recommendation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically sound and frequently employed, especially in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it can be replaced with alternatives like "it requires" or "it demands" for more formal writing. Remember to clarify the subject making the call and avoid overuse to maintain writing sophistication. Proper application ensures clarity and impact in conveying essential requirements or necessary actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it requires

Emphasizes a necessity or condition that must be met.

it necessitates

Highlights the unavoidable nature of the requirement.

it demands

Stresses the urgency or insistence of the need.

it entails

Focuses on what the situation involves or implies.

it involves

Highlights the components or aspects that are part of the process.

it needs

Suggests a basic and fundamental requirement.

it asks for

Implies a direct request or solicitation.

it suggests

Offers a recommendation or course of action.

it recommends

Provides a formal endorsement or guidance.

it advocates

Indicates strong support or promotion of a particular action.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "it calls for"?

You can use alternatives like "it requires", "it demands", or "it necessitates" depending on the context.

How do I use "it calls for" in a sentence?

Use "it calls for" to indicate that a situation or task requires a specific action, quality, or resource. For example, "The crisis calls for immediate action."

Is "it calls for" formal or informal?

"It calls for" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives may be preferred in academic or professional writing.

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

"It calls for" suggests a need or requirement based on circumstances, while "it asks for" implies a direct request or solicitation. "It calls for action" suggests action is needed because of a situation; "it asks for action" implies someone is requesting the action.