ENGLISH
REFERENCE

call for sth

phr. v..
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford

phr. v.. to publicly ask for something to happen because it is necessary or right.

phr. v.. to demand or require a particular action, quality, or response; often used in the context of public appeals or situational requirements.


SIMPLE

The protesters call for a change in the law.

CONTEXTUAL

The current economic crisis calls for immediate action from the central bank to prevent further inflation.

COMPLEX

The complexity of the international treaty calls for a level of diplomatic finesse that few negotiators currently possess.

Particles
for
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
call + for + object
Usage

usually followed by a noun representing a needed action, such as 'justice', 'reform', or 'resignation'.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'demand' (more aggressive) and 'require' (more neutral/technical); 'call for' is very common in news headlines for public demands.

Pitfall

The situation calls a new approach.The situation calls for a new approach.the preposition 'for' is essential to link the verb to the requirement; without it, the meaning changes to 'phoning someone'.

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