Differences between call on and wait on
Call on usually means to visit or address someone, while wait on generally means to serve or attend to someone.
Meanings and Definitions: call on vs wait on
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Call on
- 1Ask for help.
The President CALLED ON the wealthy countries for financial aid after the floods destroyed much of the country's agriculture.
- 2Visit.
As we were in the area, we CALLED ON my sister - in - law.
- 3Challenge.
He CALLED the speaker ON several mis - statements of fact.
- 4Ask someone to do something, especially to speak in public. ( Formal ).
I now CALL ON the other party to give their account of what happened.
Wait on
- 1Serve people in a restaurant.
They have two people WAITING ON each table.
- 2Sell goods in a shop.
He WAITS ON customers in an electronics store.
- 3Provide someone with everything they need or want.
He has a butler who WAITS ON him.
- 4Wait for a result before being able to make a decision.
They're WAITING ON the results of the vote before taking a final decision.
Usage Examples: call on, wait on in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
call on
Example
The teacher called on the student to answer the question.
Example
She calls on her neighbor to help her with the groceries.
wait on
Example
She waits on customers at the cafe.
Example
He waits on tables at the restaurant.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Call on
To go to a place to see someone or something.
Example
I'm planning to visit my grandparents next weekend.
To speak to or communicate with someone directly.
Example
The CEO will address the employees at the annual meeting.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Wait on
To provide food, drinks, or other assistance to someone.
Example
The waiter will serve us our meals shortly.
To help or support someone in completing a task or achieving a goal.
Example
The customer service representative will assist you with any questions or concerns you may have.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “call”
Phrasal Verbs with “wait”
Differences in call on vs wait on: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: call on or wait on?
In daily conversation, people use wait on more often than call on. This is because wait on is used for more daily tasks and routines such as serving customers or attending to guests. Call on is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about visiting someone or addressing a group of people. So, while both phrases are used, wait on is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of call on and wait on
Call on and wait on are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of call on and wait on
The tone of call on and wait on can differ based on context. Call on often carries a formal or respectful tone when related to addressing a group of people or visiting someone important, while wait on typically has a practical and service-oriented tone, especially when referring to serving customers or attending to guests.
