# call out

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/call-out
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

to tell someone publicly that their behavior or words are wrong or unfair.

For teachers: to challenge or confront a person regarding their actions or statements, typically in a public or semi-public forum. The verb is transitive and allows the object to be placed between the verb and the particle.

## Examples

- I had to call him out for his rude comment.
- The activist used social media to call out the company for its poor environmental record and lack of transparency.
- While the board members remained silent, the junior analyst felt compelled to call out the CEO's unethical accounting practices during the annual general meeting.

## Pitfalls

- Not "She called out him." but "She called him out." — pronoun objects must be placed between the verb and the particle in this separable phrasal verb.

## Usage notes

- commonly followed by 'on' for the specific action or 'for' for the reason.
- Teaching tip: useful for discussing social media 'cancel culture' or workplace accountability; highlight that it usually requires an audience or public setting.

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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.