make a phone call

USAGE SUMMARY

It is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to suggest that someone take an action. For example, "I need to make a phone call to confirm our meeting time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Can you make a phone call?

The New York Times

Occasionally he would stop to make a phone call.

The New York Times

"Doctor, I need to make a phone call".

The New Yorker

But he went home to make a phone call.

The New York Times

But you can't use it to make a phone call.

The New York Times

Excuse me I got to go make a phone call.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

She can make a phone call for you".

The New York Times - Arts

Why didn't they just make a phone call?

The New York Times - Magazine

They usually have to make a phone call.

The New York Times

I didn't make a phone call to Russia.

The Guardian

Before buying it, she stepped outside to make a phone call.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "make a phone call", ensure the context clearly indicates the purpose or recipient of the call to enhance clarity.

Common error

Do not use phrases like "make a call on the phone", as it is redundant. The phrase "make a phone call" already implies using a phone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a phone call" functions as a verb phrase, where "make" is the main verb and "a phone call" is the direct object. It signifies the action of initiating a telephone conversation. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make a phone call" is a very common and grammatically correct way to describe the action of initiating a telephone conversation. It is used across various contexts, including News & Media, Academia, and Wiki sources. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While alternatives like "call someone" or "place a call" exist, "make a phone call" remains a versatile and widely understood expression. Remember to avoid redundancy by not saying "make a call on the phone". The phrase's widespread usage and clear meaning contribute to its high expert rating and reliability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

call someone

This alternative is a shorter and more direct way to say "make a phone call".

phone someone

This alternative is a shorter way to say "make a phone call".

place a call

This alternative is a more formal way to say "make a phone call".

give someone a call

This alternative implies a direct call to a specific person.

ring someone up

This alternative is more informal and common in British English.

reach out by phone

This alternative emphasizes the act of contacting someone.

get in touch by phone

This alternative emphasizes establishing communication.

telephone someone

This alternative is a more formal and less common way to say "make a phone call".

contact via telephone

This alternative is a formal way to describe making a phone call.

dial a number

This alternative emphasizes the action of dialing the phone.

FAQs

How can I use "make a phone call" in a sentence?

You can use "make a phone call" when you want to express the action of initiating a telephone conversation. For example, "I need to make a phone call to confirm the appointment".

What are some alternatives to "make a phone call"?

You can use alternatives like "call someone", "give someone a call", or "place a call", depending on the context.

Is it more formal to "make a phone call" or "call someone"?

"Call someone" is generally more informal. "Make a phone call" is neutral, while "place a call" is considered more formal.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "make a phone call"?

The phrase "make a phone call" is appropriate in most situations where you want to describe the act of initiating a phone conversation, whether formal or informal. It's a common and widely understood expression.