serve as a call

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serve as a call" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something functions as a signal or invitation for action or response. Example: "The announcement will serve as a call for volunteers to join the community cleanup event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

Makiyah's death should serve as a call to action.

The Washington Post

The issues highlighted here should serve as a call to arms for some changes in the policy community.

The Washington Post

Regardless of our legal outcomes, our hope is that our family's personal tragedy will serve as a call for compassion, empathy and human dignity".

The New York Times

This review will identify challenges for contemporary orthodontics and delineate strategies for the profession to evolve in an era of unprecedented scientific and technological advances, and serve as a call to action for the orthodontic profession.

Seminars in Orthodontics

While the dwindling stocks of a beloved species can sometimes serve as a call to action — think of whales, pandas and polar bears — the threat to the chambered nautilus has gone largely unnoticed by the public.

The New York Times - Science

"These results should serve as a call to action for the health profession to include L.G.B.T. health as part of the standard curriculum," said Dr. Desiray Bailey, an anesthesiologist and president of the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

For that alone, "The Good Wife" should serve as a calling to network executives everywhere.

The New York Times - Arts

"Weddings serve as a calling card for one's personality and lifestyle.

The New York Times

Susan Shick, deputy redevelopment director, said the study would serve as "a calling card" for the city in its 5-year-old search for a hotel developer.

Los Angeles Times

At the very least, the movie serves as a call for such additional historical research.

The New Yorker

THE SCHOOLS The loss of the sports program has served as a call to action.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "serve as a call" to clearly indicate that a particular event, fact, or situation should prompt a specific response or action. This phrase is effective in persuasive writing and calls to action.

Common error

Avoid using "serve as a call" excessively in passive constructions. Instead, actively highlight the agent that is initiating the call, which results in a clearer and more impactful message. For example, prefer "This report serves as a call to action for policymakers" over "It is hoped that this report will serve as a call to action".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serve as a call" primarily functions as a connector, linking a situation or event to a desired response or action. As shown in Ludwig, the phrase indicates that something should prompt a specific reaction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "serve as a call" is a versatile and commonly used expression that functions as a connector, linking a situation to a desired response. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts. As reflected in the analysis, it is most frequently found in news and media, scientific, and formal business contexts. While generally neutral in tone, its use leans towards professional settings. When using this phrase, ensure the agent initiating the call is clearly identified to avoid passive constructions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

act as an impetus

This alternative indicates something that incites or drives action, suggesting a strong initiating force. The semantic similarity is high.

function as a stimulus

This phrase emphasizes the role of something in provoking a response or action. It shares the core meaning of prompting action, but with a more technical tone.

provide a motivation

This option focuses on the aspect of inspiring someone to take action by highlighting the reason or incentive.

present an opportunity

This alternative focuses on the aspect of enabling action by creating a possibility or favorable circumstance.

represent an invitation

This option suggests a more welcoming or encouraging tone, implying an open call for participation.

create a sense of urgency

This phrase underscores the need for immediate action, adding a dimension of time sensitivity to the call.

spark a reaction

Focuses on initiating any kind of response to a preceding action.

be a wake-up call

More idiomatic and urgent, this emphasizes the need to recognize and address a problem immediately.

become a rallying cry

This option suggests inspiring collective action, emphasizing unity and shared purpose.

signal a need for

Directly indicates the requirement for something without necessarily implying immediate action.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "serves as a call"?

When something "serves as a call", it means it functions as a strong suggestion or reason for someone to take action or respond in a particular way. It emphasizes the need for a specific reaction based on the information or situation presented.

How can I use "serve as a call" in a sentence?

You can use "serve as a call" to highlight the imperative nature of a situation. For instance, "The rising unemployment rate should "serve as a call" for the government to implement new economic policies".

What can I say instead of "serve as a call"?

You can use alternatives like "act as an impetus", "function as a stimulus", or "be a wake-up call" depending on the desired level of formality and specific context.

Is "serve as a call for action" different from "serve as a call to arms"?

Yes, "serve as a call for action" is a general invitation to respond to a need or problem, while "serve as a call to arms" is a more specific and forceful expression that implies a need for combat or intense effort, often in a conflict-like situation.