What are the definitions of “call up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Summon someone for military service.
The army CALLED UP the reserve soldiers when the war broke out.
- 2Telephone.
I CALLED him UP as soon as I got to a phone to tell him the news.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “call up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb call up is to telephone someone. It means to make a phone call to someone to talk or share information. For example, you can call up your friend to invite them to a party or call up a store to ask about their opening hours.
What are the different verb forms of “call up”?
| Root Verb | call up |
| Third Person Singular Present | calls up |
| Present Participle | calling up |
| Simple Past | called up |
| Past Participle | called up |
Example
I need to call up my mom to check on her.
Example
She calls up her sister every weekend.
Example
He is calling up the restaurant to make a reservation.
Example
Yesterday, they called up their friends to invite them to the party.
Example
The manager had called up the supplier to discuss the delivery.
What kind of phrasal verb is “call up”?
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 up” 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 up her friend to chat.
Example
He called the store up to ask about their hours.
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 up” 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 up her friend to chat.
Example
He called the store up to ask about their hours.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “call up”?
Call up memories
To bring back memories or make someone remember something from the past.
Example
The smell of freshly baked cookies called up memories of her grandmother's kitchen.
Call up reserves
To summon reserve soldiers or resources for military service or emergency situations.
Example
The government called up the reserve troops during the natural disaster.
Good things to know
Does “call up” have an informal or formal tone?
Call up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal situations. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings like business meetings or official communications. The level of formality depends on the context in which it is used.
