Phrasal verb
call for
Definition
phrasal verb. to say publicly that something is necessary or should happen.
phrasal verb. to publicly demand or require a particular action or quality; often used in political or professional contexts to indicate necessity.
Examples
“The protesters call for a change in the law.”
“After the accident, many local residents began to call for better safety measures at the crossing.”
“The opposition party issued a statement to call for an immediate investigation into the government's handling of the crisis.”
Examples
simple
“The protesters call for a change in the law.”
contextual
“After the accident, many local residents began to call for better safety measures at the crossing.”
complex
“The opposition party issued a statement to call for an immediate investigation into the government's handling of the crisis.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “call for” in context.
Verb
01. call for a ban
“Several doctors have called for a ban on the sale of energy drinks to minors.”
verb + noun
02. call for a change
“Protesters gathered in the square to call for a change in the current law.”
verb + noun
03. call for action
“Environmentalists are calling for immediate action to reduce carbon emissions.”
verb + noun
04. call for calm
“The police chief called for calm as the crowds began to grow restless.”
verb + noun
Adverb
05. publicly call for
“The mayor publicly called for an independent investigation into the incident.”
adv + verb
06. repeatedly call for
“Human rights groups have repeatedly called for the release of the political prisoners.”
adv + verb
07. urgently call for
“The charity is urgently calling for donations to help the earthquake victims.”
adv + verb
Usage
usually followed by a noun representing a required action, quality, or person.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'demand' which is more aggressive; 'call for' is often used in news headlines and formal requests for social or political change.
Pitfall
The situation calls to a quick response.
The situation calls for a quick response.
the preposition 'for' is the only correct particle to express necessity in this context.
Phrasal verb
Particles
for
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
call + for + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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