sense of call

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sense of call" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a strong feeling or conviction about a particular vocation or purpose, often in a religious or professional context. Example: "After much reflection, she finally embraced her sense of call to become a teacher and inspire young minds."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

He has described how the more he felt the "call", the less he wanted to obey it, but in the end "the sense of call was inescapable".

BBC

To love them would be to respect their wishes to be left alone, to heed the stories of people before him, not the strength of his sense of call.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Nusseibeh came to politics obliquely, without a sense of calling.

The New Yorker

I think Judge Sotomayor embodies that sense of calling".

The New York Times

A similar sense of calling her own bluff extends to Ms. Lang's albums.

The New York Times - Arts

Tewksbury had a lot at stake in the experiment, and a sense of calling; his actors rallied behind him, passionately.

The New Yorker

"In law, one's sense of calling or vocation will lead one to be interested in certain dimensions of Constitutional law," like the First Amendment, Mr. Starr said.

The New York Times

"I have yet to meet the first head of house that wasn't in it with some sense of calling as surely as a clergyman is," she said.

The New Yorker

I feel certain God loves me just the way I am, and I have a huge sense of calling to communicate that to young people.

Independent

"In 2008, I had a real sense of calling," said Mr. Lankford, who later that year resigned from his job to campaign full time.

The New York Times

Through the perspectives of Nell and her new friends, we share a view from inside the actors' circle: of their jealous competition, raging insecurity and rock-­bottom sense of calling.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sense of call" when describing a strong, often spiritual or vocational, feeling that guides someone's actions or decisions. It is especially fitting in contexts where duty and purpose are central.

Common error

Avoid using "sense of call" to describe fleeting interests or casual preferences. This phrase implies a deep, often unwavering conviction, not just a passing fancy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sense of call" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause. It describes an internal conviction or feeling of being summoned to a particular vocation or purpose. Ludwig confirms its usability in different sentences.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sense of call" is a noun phrase denoting a strong conviction toward a particular vocation or purpose, often with spiritual or ethical implications. Ludwig confirms that it is grammatically correct and usable in English. While relatively rare in general usage, it finds its primary contexts in news and media, reflecting discussions of vocation, purpose, and personal conviction. When writing, reserve "sense of call" for situations where a deep, guiding conviction is central to the narrative. Consider alternatives like ""sense of purpose"" or ""feeling of calling"" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Avoid using it for trivial preferences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feeling of calling

Changes "sense" to "feeling", emphasizing the emotional aspect of the calling.

sense of vocation

Replaces "call" with "vocation", a more formal term for a calling or occupation.

sense of purpose

Substitutes "call" with "purpose", focusing on the reason or aim behind the calling.

strong inclination

Uses a more general term to describe a powerful feeling towards something.

deep conviction

Highlights the firm belief associated with the calling.

moral imperative

Emphasizes the ethical or moral aspect of the calling.

inner prompting

Focuses on the internal motivation or urge.

driving passion

Highlights the intense emotion and enthusiasm associated with the calling.

inescapable feeling

Emphasizes the unavoidable nature of the sensation associated to QUERY.

profound commitment

Replaces QUERY with emphasis on dedication and allegiance.

FAQs

How can I use "sense of call" in a sentence?

You can use "sense of call" to describe a strong feeling of vocation or purpose, often in a religious or professional context. For example: "She felt a strong "sense of call" to become a doctor."

What's a good alternative to "sense of call"?

Depending on the context, you could use "sense of purpose", "feeling of calling", or "strong inclination" as alternatives to "sense of call".

Is "sense of calling" grammatically correct?

Yes, "sense of calling" is grammatically correct. It's very similar in meaning to "sense of call" but emphasizes the ongoing nature of the calling.

When is it appropriate to use "sense of call"?

It's appropriate to use "sense of call" when referring to a deeply felt conviction or vocation that guides someone's actions, often in a spiritual or career-related context. It implies a strong, internal motivation.