make house calls

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make house calls" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a professional, such as a doctor or a service provider, visiting a client's home to provide services. Example: "The local veterinarian is known for her willingness to make house calls for pets that are too sick to travel."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Housing counselors make house calls.

Huffington Post

They also make house calls.

The New York Times

Does Dr. Phil make house calls?

The Washington Post

Some teachers even make house calls.

The New York Times

Does the Ethicist make house calls?

The New York Times - Magazine

Apparently, it is common for them to make house calls.

The New York Times

ModeWalk's local couturiers make house calls for measurements.

The New York Times

They are like psychiatrists who make house calls.

The New York Times - Tech

The friends I have left make house calls.

The New York Times - Style

I provide individualized care and even make house calls on a regular basis.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It's not uncommon for hairdressers to make house calls for events like weddings or bar mitzvahs.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing modern healthcare, consider using "make house calls" to evoke a sense of personalized, traditional care, contrasting it with impersonal, modern practices. This adds a layer of nostalgia and emphasizes the doctor-patient relationship.

Common error

While "make house calls" is widely understood, it may sound outdated in formal business or academic writing. Opt for more precise terms like "provide in-home consultation" or "offer on-site service" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make house calls" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the action of a professional visiting a client's home to provide services. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, supported by numerous examples of doctors and other professionals providing services at home.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

13%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make house calls" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe professionals, particularly doctors, visiting clients' homes to provide services. Ludwig AI confirms the validity of this phrase, and the numerous examples show its prevalence in various contexts, especially in news and media. While generally neutral, it can evoke a sense of personalized, traditional care. When writing, be mindful of the context and opt for more formal alternatives like "provide in-home services" in professional settings. The phrase's frequent usage and clear meaning contribute to its high expert rating and widespread understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

offer home visits

Focuses on the availability of visits to a home, suggesting a more formal or professional arrangement.

provide in-home services

Highlights the delivery of services within a home setting, often used in professional contexts.

attend to patients in their homes

Highlights the act of caring for a patient in the comfort of their own home.

visit homes

Emphasizes the act of visiting residences, suitable when the purpose of the visit is broad or unspecified.

do home care

Specifically indicates providing care services within a home environment, typically for health-related needs.

visit clients at their residence

Highlights a professional setting when visiting a client.

deliver services at home

Highlights the act of delivering a service at the home instead of another location.

go to someone's home

A more direct and informal way of saying someone is visiting a residence.

conduct on-site visits

Focuses on the location of the visit, which may include homes but also other locations.

provide mobile services

Suggests that services are brought to the customer or patient, rather than the other way around.

FAQs

What does it mean to "make house calls"?

To "make house calls" means to visit someone's home to provide a service, typically used for doctors, consultants, or other professionals who travel to clients' homes. It evokes a sense of personal, at-home service.

Are doctors the only professionals who "make house calls"?

No, while historically associated with doctors, the phrase "make house calls" can apply to various professionals like consultants, tutors, or even hairstylists who "provide in-home services".

Is "make house calls" a formal or informal expression?

The expression "make house calls" is generally considered neutral but can lean towards informal depending on the context. In formal settings, alternatives like "offer on-site visits" might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "make house calls" and "visiting homes"?

"Make house calls" implies a professional service being provided, while "visiting homes" is a more general term that simply means going to someone's residence for any purpose.