What are the definitions of “call out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Expose or accuse someone of wrongdoing or incompetence.
He CALLED them OUT over awarding contracts to family members.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “call out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb call out is to expose or accuse someone of wrongdoing or incompetence. It is often used when someone wants to bring attention to a person's mistakes or bad behavior.
What are the different verb forms of “call out”?
| Root Verb | call out |
| Third Person Singular Present | calls out |
| Present Participle | calling out |
| Simple Past | called out |
| Past Participle | called out |
Example
She decided to call out her coworker for taking credit for her work.
Example
He calls out anyone who tries to cheat in the game.
Example
The teacher is calling out the students who didn't do their homework.
Example
Yesterday, the manager called out the employee for being late.
Example
The politician was called out for making false promises during the campaign.
What kind of phrasal verb is “call out”?
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 out” 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
She called out her friend for lying.
Example
The journalist called out the company for its unethical practices.
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 out” 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
She called out her friend for lying.
Example
The journalist called out the company for its unethical practices.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “call out”?
Good things to know
Does “call out” have an informal or formal tone?
Call out is generally considered neutral in terms of formality. It can be used in both informal and formal situations, depending on the context. For example, it can be used in casual conversations among friends or in more formal settings, such as a workplace or a news report.
