to be calling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be calling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of making a phone call or when discussing someone who is currently in the process of calling. Example: "I seem to be calling you at a bad time; should I call back later?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Film

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"I'm going to be calling his name.

The New Yorker

We're not going to be calling him".

The Guardian

Is this a good time to be calling?" "Oh, yes".

The New Yorker

We don't have to be calling each other names.

The New York Times

Heredity more than environment seemed to be calling the shots.

The New York Times

"Anybody who hasn't signed on, we're going to be calling".

The New York Times

(The awning always seemed to be calling my name).

The New Yorker

It seems wrong somehow to be calling you Ice.

The Guardian

"I am going to be calling them on this subject".

The New York Times

The crooks phone unsuspecting people and pretend to be calling from their bank or the police.

Independent

It may seem odd to be calling for more work on the single market.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be calling", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you mean making a phone call or referring to something by a specific name. Clarity is key to avoid confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "to be calling" in contexts where the intended meaning could be ambiguous. If you mean "to name" or "to designate", use those terms instead for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be calling" primarily functions as a present continuous gerund, indicating an action that is currently in progress or a future action that is planned. Ludwig shows examples where it describes the act of making a phone call or referring to something by a specific name.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Sports

9%

Film

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be calling" is a versatile and commonly used expression. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and functions primarily as a present continuous gerund, denoting an ongoing or planned action. The primary usage is to describe making a phone call or referring to something by a particular name, evident in diverse contexts like news, sports, and film. The phrase maintains a neutral register, suitable for various communication scenarios. While generally clear, writers should be mindful of potential ambiguity and opt for more specific terms like "naming" or "designating" when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be phoning

Replaces "calling" with a direct synonym, "phoning", maintaining the same meaning of making a phone call.

to be ringing

Substitutes "calling" with "ringing", implying the action of making a phone call to someone.

to be contacting

Uses a more general term, "contacting", to refer to getting in touch with someone through any means.

to be getting in touch

Offers a more descriptive alternative, emphasizing the action of establishing communication.

to be reaching out

Replaces "calling" with "reaching out", implying an attempt to make contact, often for assistance or support.

to be naming

Shifts the focus from contacting to identifying or referring to someone or something by a specific name.

to be designating

Emphasizes the act of assigning a specific term or label to something.

to be terming

Replaces "calling" with "terming", focusing on the act of using a particular term to describe something.

to be alluding

Suggests making an indirect reference to someone or something.

to be invoking

Implies calling upon something, such as a law or principle, for support or justification.

FAQs

How can I use "to be calling" in a sentence?

You can use "to be calling" to describe an action in progress. For example, "I seem to be calling you at a bad time" indicates the speaker is currently making a call. Alternatively, it can mean referring to something by name, as in, "They seem to be calling the project a success".

What can I say instead of "to be calling" when referring to making a phone call?

Alternatives for "to be calling" when referring to making a phone call include "to be phoning", "to be ringing", or "to be contacting", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "to be calling"?

While generally correct, "to be calling" can be ambiguous. If you mean "to name" or "to designate", using those specific verbs will reduce potential confusion. Context is important to ensure the intended meaning is clear.

What's the difference between "to be calling" and "to be contacting"?

"To be calling" typically implies making a phone call, whereas "to be contacting" is a more general term that refers to getting in touch with someone through any means, including email, messaging, or in person.