# call for sth

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/call-for-sth
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

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

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

## Examples

- The protesters call for a change in the law.
- The current economic crisis calls for immediate action from the central bank to prevent further inflation.
- The complexity of the international treaty calls for a level of diplomatic finesse that few negotiators currently possess.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The situation calls a new approach." but "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'.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.