that calls for

USAGE SUMMARY

"that calls for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that something requires a response or action of some kind. For example, "The rise in temperatures this summer that calls for an increase in air conditioning use."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Just: there is a problem that calls for urgent action.

The New York Times

I have a recipe that calls for fresh broad beans.

The New York Times - Food

Something that calls For our abduction out of things.

The Guardian - Books

It is a piece that calls for revolution.

The Guardian

The Fed looks caught between an economic outlook that calls for more QE and a cost-benefit equation that calls for less.

The Economist

They're going to have an ordinance that calls for public prayer five times a day".

The New Yorker

Gutman: (chuckling) That's an attitude, sir, that calls for the most delicate judgment on both sides.

The New York Times

Why is privacy a value that calls for protection under every human-rights treaty ever devised?

The New Yorker

The only potential obstacle is a forecast for Thursday that calls for rain all day.

The New York Times - Sports

Under Iranian law, that calls for a cash penalty — not jail time.

The New York Times

This is a situation that calls for great caution, rather than grand idealistic gestures.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that calls for" when you want to suggest that a specific situation or event necessitates a particular action or response. For example, "The unexpected budget surplus that calls for careful consideration of how to allocate the funds."

Common error

While "that calls for" is generally acceptable, avoid overuse in casual conversation. Simpler alternatives like "requires" or "needs" might be more appropriate in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that calls for" functions as a connector, linking a preceding situation or event to a necessary or suggested action. This construction indicates a cause-and-effect relationship where the former necessitates the latter, as evidenced by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

31%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that calls for" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that a specific situation necessitates a particular action or response. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used, appearing in a variety of contexts including News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources. While generally neutral in tone, it can sound slightly formal in very casual settings. Consider using simpler alternatives like "requires" or "needs" for informal conversations. Remember to use "that" for restrictive clauses and "which" for non-restrictive clauses when employing this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that necessitates

Emphasizes requirement or inevitability. It's more formal than the original phrase.

that requires

A more direct and simpler way of expressing need. It's less suggestive of a specific response.

that demands

Highlights the urgency or insistence of the need. Conveys a stronger sense of obligation.

that warrants

Suggests the action is justified or appropriate given the situation. It's often used in formal contexts.

that justifies

Implies the action is not just appropriate but also morally or legally sound.

that gives rise to

Focuses on the cause-and-effect relationship, highlighting the action as a consequence.

that constitutes a need for

More formal and descriptive, suitable for academic or technical writing.

that prompts the need for

Highlights what triggers the need, rather than directly stating the need itself.

that occasions

A more elevated and less common way to say something prompts a response.

that precipitates

Emphasizes a sudden or rapid onset of the need. It is more dramatic and less frequently used.

FAQs

How can I use "that calls for" in a sentence?

Use "that calls for" to indicate that a situation necessitates a specific action or response. For example, "The sudden increase in demand "that calls for" increased production."

What are some alternatives to "that calls for"?

Alternatives include "that requires", "that necessitates", or "that demands". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "that calls for" or "which calls for"?

"That calls for" is generally preferred when introducing a restrictive clause, meaning the information is essential to the sentence's meaning. "Which calls for" is used for non-restrictive clauses, adding extra but non-essential information.

When is it inappropriate to use "that calls for"?

While grammatically correct, using "that calls for" in extremely informal situations might sound overly formal. Consider simpler words like "needs" or "requires" for casual conversations.