What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
phoned
Example
I phoned my friend to ask if she wanted to go to the movies. [phoned: past tense]
Example
He always phones his mom on Sunday afternoons. [phones: present tense]
called
Example
I called the restaurant to make a reservation. [called: past tense]
Example
She is going to call her sister later tonight. [call: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Called is more commonly used than phoned in American English, while both are used interchangeably in British English.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between phoned and called?
Called is considered more formal than phoned, making it more appropriate for professional or business contexts.
