What are the definitions of “call in”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Get someone to come and do a job.
We had to CALL IN a plumber because the sink was leaking and I had no idea how to fix it.
- 2Stop and visit.
I CALLED IN on Jenny on my way home because she's not very well at the moment and I wanted to see if she needed anything.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “call in”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb call in is to ask someone to come and do a job or provide a service. For example, you might call in a plumber to fix a leak or an electrician to repair a broken light.
What are the different verb forms of “call in”?
| Root Verb | call in |
| Third Person Singular Present | calls in |
| Present Participle | calling in |
| Simple Past | called in |
| Past Participle | called in |
Example
We need to call in a professional to fix the roof.
Example
She calls in a cleaning service every month.
Example
He is calling in a technician to repair the computer.
Example
Yesterday, they called in a mechanic to check the car.
Example
The broken appliance was called in for repair.
What kind of phrasal verb is “call in”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“call in” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
We called in a plumber to fix the leak.
Example
She called in a favor from her friend.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“call in” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
We called in a plumber to fix the leak.
Example
She called in a favor from her friend.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “call in”?
Good things to know
Does “call in” have an informal or formal tone?
Call in is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal situations. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, depending on the context. For example, when discussing work or professional services, call in can have a more formal tone.
