Phrasal verb
call for
Meanings
to require something; to make something necessary
to demand or request something publicly or strongly
to go and get someone or something, often by stopping somewhere briefly
Definition
To call for something means to require it or make it necessary.
"Call for" is used when a situation requires a particular action, response, or quality. It often suggests that the need is clear because of the circumstances. It can also mean to demand something publicly or to go and get someone or something.
Examples
- This kind of weather calls for a warm jacket.
- The teacher called for quieter voices during the test.
- I’ll call for you at seven and we’ll head to the concert together.
- His sudden message called for an immediate reply.
- They called for change after the service kept getting worse.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse "call for" (require) with "call off" (cancel) and use the wrong phrasal verb for the meaning.
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.