What are the definitions of “call on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 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.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “call on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb call on is to ask someone for help or assistance. It is often used when someone needs support or aid from another person or group. For example, it can mean asking for help from friends, family, or even a country.
What are the different verb forms of “call on”?
| Root Verb | call on |
| Third Person Singular Present | calls on |
| Present Participle | calling on |
| Simple Past | called on |
| Past Participle | called on |
Example
The teacher called on the student to answer the question.
Example
She calls on her neighbor to help her with the groceries.
Example
He is calling on his friends to support his new project.
Example
Yesterday, they called on the community to help clean the park.
Example
The mayor has called on local businesses to sponsor the event.
What kind of phrasal verb is “call on”?
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 on” 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
The teacher called on the student to answer the question.
Example
She called on her neighbor to help her with the groceries.
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 on” 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
The teacher called on the student to answer the question.
Example
She called on her neighbor to help her with the groceries.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “call on”?
Good things to know
Does “call on” have an informal or formal tone?
Call on is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both formal and informal situations. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, such as business meetings, speeches, or official documents. The level of formality depends on the context in which it is used.
