# call for

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

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

## Definition

to say publicly that something is necessary or should happen.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The situation calls to a quick response." but "The situation calls for a quick response." — the preposition 'for' is the only correct particle to express necessity in this context.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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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.