ENGLISH
REFERENCE

call for

phr. v..
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford

phr. v.. to say publicly that something is necessary or should happen.

phr. v.. to publicly demand or require a particular action or quality; often used in political or professional contexts to indicate necessity.


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.

Particles
for
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
call + for + object
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.

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