which calls for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which calls for" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when introducing a situation or plan that requires a certain action or response. For example: "This situation which calls for immediate action is becoming increasingly urgent."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But they also raise inflation, which calls for tightening.

The Economist

Tells her that she moved her hands in certain scene which calls for calm.

The New Yorker

The lasagna, which calls for minced onions and cooking sherry, sounds particularly tasty.

The New York Times

A white normally wouldn't stand up to the game, which calls for a tannin-rich red.

The Economist

Russia wants "a phased transition", which calls for dialogue between the opposition and Mr Assad.

The Economist

on California's budget, which calls for severe spending cuts to deal with a $15.7 billion shortfall.

The New York Times

We usually hear Hamas's resistance voice, which calls for the destruction of Israel.

The New York Times

Sudan is partly governed by Islamic law, which calls for women to dress modestly.

The New York Times

The road map, which calls for a Palestinian state by 2005, suffers from vagueness.

The New York Times

Discussion of the Senate Resolution 21, which calls for establishment of a Commission on Government Security.

The New Yorker

I preferred Mr. Brachman's version, which calls for a touch of lemon.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "which calls for", ensure that the clause clearly and directly relates to the noun it modifies to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The situation, which calls for immediate action, is worsening."

Common error

Avoid using "which calls for" in restrictive clauses (those essential to the sentence's meaning). It's best suited for non-restrictive clauses, which add extra, non-essential information. If the clause is essential, consider using "that requires" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which calls for" functions as a relative clause, specifically a nonrestrictive (or nonessential) clause, that modifies a noun or noun phrase. It introduces additional, non-essential information about the antecedent by specifying what action or response is needed or appropriate. Ludwig confirms this function by providing various examples where "which calls for" introduces clauses adding detail.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

41%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "which calls for" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a clause specifying a required action or response, most commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and functions as a nonrestrictive relative clause, adding extra detail to the sentence. When using "which calls for", ensure clarity and proper clause structure. Alternatives like "that requires" and "that necessitates" can provide similar meanings with slight shifts in emphasis, and don't use it on essential clauses. Overall, mastering "which calls for" enhances precision and sophistication in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that requires

Directly substitutes "calls for" with a synonym indicating necessity.

which necessitates

A slightly more formal and direct replacement of the original phrase.

that demands

Emphasizes a strong need or expectation.

that necessitates

Replaces "calls for" with a more formal term indicating requirement.

that entails

Highlights that something involves or includes a specific consequence or condition.

that prompts the need for

Suggests that something initiates or encourages a requirement.

that leads to

Focuses on the result or outcome that necessitates a particular response.

that gives rise to the need for

Expresses the cause-and-effect relationship leading to a requirement, more verbose.

that justifies

Indicates that something provides a valid reason or basis for a certain action.

that underpins the necessity of

A more formal alternative emphasizing foundational support for the need.

FAQs

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

Use "which calls for" to introduce a clause that explains what is needed or required in a particular situation. For example, "The new regulation, "which calls for" stricter environmental controls, will be implemented next year."

What are some alternatives to "which calls for"?

You can use alternatives such as "that requires", "that necessitates", or "that demands" depending on the context.

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

"Which calls for" is generally used in non-restrictive clauses, adding extra information, while "that calls for" can be used in restrictive clauses that are essential to the meaning of the sentence. However, many writers now prefer "which" in both types of clauses.

What's the difference between "which calls for" and "which requires"?

While similar, "which requires" tends to emphasize a need that must be met, whereas ""which calls for"" can also imply a recommendation or suggestion, not just a strict necessity.