needs to be called out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "needs to be called out" is correct and commonly used in written English.
You can use this phrase to mean that something needs to be publicly pointed out or criticized. It can also mean that someone needs to be held accountable for their actions. Example: The CEO's unethical behavior needs to be called out, as it is harmful to the company's reputation.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

This store needs to be called out and that's what I'm doing.

The Guardian - Sport

It has been dubbed offensive, problematic and triggering, and so anyone who employs it needs to be "called out".

The Guardian - Opinion

"This is a view based in prejudice, based in homophobia, based in bigotry and it needs to be called out".

The Guardian

I'm not suggesting that we should stay silent if a game like Dungeon Keeper needs to be called out on its problems.

The Guardian - Tech

It's not just wrong, it's reckless and it needs to be called out, no matter how powerful the people briefing it," said one close ally.

The Guardian

What healthcare organizations, and others, need to do is come up with ways to filter the data, analyze it, and know when something needs to be called out for attention.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

These folks need to be called out as charlatans and prevaricators.

University of California, Berkeley

That need to be called out, and that's what I'm doing today.

The Guardian

We need to be called out from the shared comforts and illusions of village life.

The Guardian - Books

Bullies believe they are teaching someone a lesson; they claim that their victims are, through their own actions or faults, asking for it, and that they need to be called out and corrected.

The New Yorker

We can see a shift from what you might call the situational to the ontological – from what you do to what you are – in the way that offence is now parsed: I have been wilfully misconstrued; you made an offensive remark that needed to be called out; he is a bigot.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "needs to be called out", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific action or behavior requires criticism or attention. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "needs to be called out" in very casual settings where a more relaxed tone is appropriate. Overusing it can make your communication seem overly aggressive or formal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "needs to be called out" functions as a directive expression, indicating that a particular action, behavior, or statement requires public criticism or attention. As Ludwig AI points out, it's about pointing out something or someone, possibly holding someone accountable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "needs to be called out" is a directive expression used to advocate for public criticism or attention toward a particular action or behavior. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in News & Media and Academia, to highlight issues deemed unacceptable. The phrase carries a neutral tone, and its purpose is to encourage awareness and accountability. While the phrase is frequently used, it's important to use it specifically and avoid overuse in informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

needs to be challenged

Suggests that something requires questioning and opposition.

should be criticized

Focuses on expressing disapproval of someone or something based on perceived faults or mistakes.

must be condemned

Highlights a strong moral disapproval and necessity for censure.

should be denounced

Emphasizes public disapproval and condemnation.

has to be rebuked

Highlights the need for a formal expression of disapproval.

ought to be challenged

Suggests a requirement to confront or dispute something.

must be addressed

Indicates that something requires attention and action.

must be confronted

Emphasizes the necessity of facing a problem or situation directly.

should be exposed

Focuses on revealing something previously hidden or secret.

warrants exposure

Highlights the justification for revealing something that is potentially harmful or unethical.

FAQs

How to use "needs to be called out" in a sentence?

Use "needs to be called out" when you believe something requires public criticism or attention. For instance, "The company's misleading advertising needs to be called out because it deceives consumers".

What can I say instead of "needs to be called out"?

You can use alternatives like "should be denounced", "must be condemned", or "ought to be challenged", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "needs to be called out" or "needs to be call out"?

"Needs to be called out" is correct. The phrase requires the passive voice ("called out"), not the active infinitive form.

What's the difference between "needs to be called out" and "deserves to be called out"?

"Needs to be called out" implies a necessity to address something, while "deserves to be called out" suggests that something merits or warrants criticism, whether or not it will happen.