make some calls

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make some calls" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of contacting people, typically by phone, for various purposes such as gathering information or making arrangements. Example: "I need to make some calls to confirm the meeting times with our clients."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

"I could make some calls for you".

The New Yorker

We started to make some calls.

The New York Times

"I'll make some calls," I said.

The Guardian

"You make some calls," he said.

The New Yorker

In other words: Get out there and make some calls.

The Washington Post

He did make some calls, but, as he expected, the idea was scotched.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

"We're fielding calls, and we've made some calls.

The New York Times - Sports

"He admitted he made some calls to Libyan traffickers.

The Guardian

She just needed the proper tools, so she made some calls.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Something clearly being up, I made some calls yesterday to well-placed Conservative and Labour sources.

The Economist

Ms. Mössinger made some calls, eventually verifying the collector's name: Dr. Alfred Gunzenhauser.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make some calls", consider the context and audience. For formal situations, using a more specific phrase like "contact individuals" might be more appropriate. In casual contexts, "give someone a ring" might fit better.

Common error

Avoid using "make some calls" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise alternatives like "initiate contact" or "conduct outreach" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make some calls" functions primarily as a verbal phrase indicating the action of contacting individuals, typically via telephone. As shown in Ludwig, it's used when someone needs to reach out for information, assistance, or to make arrangements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Wiki

4%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make some calls" is a common and generally acceptable way to describe the act of contacting people, usually by phone. Ludwig AI indicates it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. While its neutral register makes it suitable for various situations, more formal settings might benefit from alternatives like "initiate contact". Overall, "make some calls" serves as a practical and easily understood expression for reaching out and connecting with others.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make contact

Focuses on establishing communication without specifying the method.

get in touch with

Emphasizes the act of establishing communication with someone.

reach out to people

Suggests an effort to connect and communicate with others, often for assistance or information.

contact individuals

A more formal and direct way of saying "make some calls".

get ahold of

Suggests effort to find and connect with someone who might be difficult to reach.

phone around

Implies making multiple calls to different people or places.

communicate with

A broader term for any form of communication.

give someone a ring

An informal way to say call someone.

dial up

Specifically refers to using a telephone to make a connection.

drop a line

Refers to sending a short message, not necessarily by phone.

FAQs

What does "make some calls" mean?

The phrase "make some calls" means to contact people, typically by phone, for various purposes such as gathering information, making arrangements, or seeking assistance.

What can I say instead of "make some calls"?

You can use alternatives like "get in touch with", "contact individuals", or "reach out to people" depending on the context.

Is "make some calls" appropriate for formal writing?

While "make some calls" is widely understood, it might be too informal for highly formal or academic writing. Consider using more precise and professional alternatives like "initiate contact" or "conduct outreach".

What is the difference between "make some calls" and "phone around"?

"Make some calls" is a general term for contacting people by phone. "Phone around" implies making multiple calls to different people or places, often to find something or get information.