originate a call

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "originate a call" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward to some readers.
It can be used in contexts related to telecommunications or initiating communication, but it is more typical to use simpler phrases. Example: "Please originate a call to the client to discuss the project details."

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Thus, any room can originate a call to any other room, or to all rooms at once.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

It was assumed that each UE originating a call supports maximum four service types at the same time [22, 23].

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

When a multimode MT generates or originates a new call in an IHWN, it can select connections among different types of the IHWN based on network selection strategies.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Combining his visual art and athletic ability, he originated a unique art form called Light Dance.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

They reunited on the small screen for Sykes (1972 79), where Sykes originated a slapstick comedy bit called "The Plank," which he later expanded into a 1979 short film of the same title.

Britannica

"It's easy to encrypt a VoIP signal," said Gartner analyst Jay Pultz, "but it's very difficult to hide where something originated and where a call terminated, particularly if they have the cooperation of carriers".

Forbes

"It's easy to encrypt a VoIP signal," said Gartner analyst Jay Pultz, "but it's very difficult to hide where something originated and where a call terminated, particularly if they have the cooperation of carriers". That cooperation is where many companies differentiated themselves Thursday from the three telcos that reportedly agreed to hand over records to the NSA.

Forbes

In telepoint systems, a user of a portable unit might originate telephone calls (but not receive them) by dialing a base station located within several hundred metres.

Britannica

They concluded that the geysers originate from a region called the tiger stripes, a set of dark streaks along the moon's surface that look like tectonic fault lines on Earth.

Science Magazine

It's an area where the Yangtze, Yellow, and Mekong Rivers all originate -- called the Three Rivers Headwater Region, or because of its high altitude, the "Water Tower of China".

Huffington Post

Those charges accrue when one telephone company originates or terminates a call over the network of another company.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for technical documentation or formal reports, "originate a call" can be appropriate. In general conversation, "make a call" or "place a call" will sound more natural.

Common error

Avoid using "originate a call" in casual contexts. It can come across as unnecessarily formal or technical. Opt for simpler alternatives like "make a call" in everyday conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "originate a call" functions as a verb phrase, describing the action of initiating a telephone call or similar communication. Ludwig suggests it can be used in telecommunications or to initiate communication, but might sound awkward to some ears and simpler phrases are more typical.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "originate a call" refers to the act of initiating a phone call. While grammatically acceptable, Ludwig indicates it can sound somewhat formal or technical. In everyday conversation, alternatives like "make a call" or "place a call" are more appropriate. It is often found in technical documentation, news reports, and formal business communications. The phrase is most common in News & Media and Science contexts. Therefore, consider your audience and the level of formality required when choosing whether to use "originate a call" or a more common alternative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Make a call

This is the most common and direct alternative, suitable for everyday conversation.

Place a call

Similar to "make a call" but slightly more formal.

Initiate a call

A more formal and technical term for starting a call.

Start a call

A simple and straightforward alternative.

Generate a call

Implies the call is created or triggered by a system or device.

Establish a call

Focuses on the successful connection of the call.

Dial a number

Highlights the action of dialing to start the call.

Connect a call

Focuses on the connection aspect more than the initiation.

Send a call

Emphasizes the act of transmitting the call signal.

Trigger a call

Suggests the call is started by an event or command.

FAQs

What does "originate a call" mean?

The phrase "originate a call" means to start or initiate a phone call. It is often used in technical contexts related to telecommunications.

What can I say instead of "originate a call"?

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

Is it better to say "make a call" or "originate a call"?

"Make a call" is generally preferred in most situations because it is more common and less formal. "Originate a call" is appropriate in technical or formal contexts.

How to use "originate a call" in a sentence?

Example: "The system can automatically "originate a call" to the emergency services in case of a fire."