call
call — verb
1. to choose a name for someone or something and use that name when speaking to or
to choose a name for someone or something and use that name when speaking to or about them
Eri's parents called her Eri after her grandmother, who had passed away the year before.
call + object + after + name (naming after someone)
Scientists called the newly discovered planet after the famous astronomer who first predicted its existence.
passive construction: be called + after
We called our dog Charlie because he looked like a tiny prince at the shelter.
What do you call a person who repairs pipes and water systems in buildings?
Ingrid calls her grandfather Papa every time she visits him on Sunday afternoons.
- name
more formal; often used in official contexts ('the president named her as the new director')
- christen
used especially for naming a baby or a ship, often in a ceremony
- label
can sound more negative or clinical; used for putting things into categories
- dub
informal or humorous; suggests a nickname or media-given name
文法句型
call + object + name
call + object + after + someone
用法筆記
Frequently used in the pattern verb + object + complement where the complement names the person or thing. When explaining who someone was named after, use 'after' (British) or 'for' (American): 'She was called Olivia after her aunt.'
常見錯誤
2. to use insulting words when speaking to someone, especially about their appearan
to use insulting words when speaking to someone, especially about their appearance, background, or abilities
Asher got into trouble for calling his classmate names during the lunch break.
fixed expression: call + someone + names
The teacher explained that calling each other names can cause lasting emotional harm to children.
reciprocal: call + each other + names
Sirin felt hurt when the other team called her names during the volleyball match.
Parents should teach their children not to call people names even when they feel angry.
- insult
more general and formal; can refer to words or actions ('he insulted the referee')
- abuse verbally
stronger and more serious; suggests prolonged or harsh treatment
- praise
to express approval or admiration for someone
- compliment
to say something nice about someone's appearance or qualities
文法句型
call + someone + names
用法筆記
Always used in the fixed expression 'call someone names' — the word 'names' is plural and no determiner (a, the, some) appears before it. The expression refers to a pattern of insulting behavior, not a single comment.
常見錯誤
3. to contact someone by telephone in order to have a conversation with them
to contact someone by telephone in order to have a conversation with them
Ada calls her mother every evening to say goodnight before she goes to sleep.
call + object + every [time period] (routine)
The dentist's office called Zayd to remind him about his appointment next Tuesday.
call + object + to + infinitive (purpose)
Could you call this number and ask whether the job position is still open?
I will call you as soon as I arrive at the train station.
文法句型
call + someone
call + someone + at + number
call + to + infinitive
常見錯誤
4. to call someone using a service where the person who answers the telephone pays
to call someone using a service where the person who answers the telephone pays the charges
When Amira studied abroad, she would call collect to avoid expensive international phone bills.
adverb position: call + collect
The soldier called collect from the military base to speak with his worried mother.
Before mobile phones became common, travelers often called collect from public payphones.
The hotel guest asked the receptionist if she could call collect to her office.
- reverse the charges
British equivalent; used as a verb phrase ('I reversed the charges')
文法句型
call + collect
用法筆記
This expression is becoming less common with the rise of mobile phones and affordable international calling plans. In British English, the equivalent phrase is 'reverse the charges.'
5. to have a particular opinion about someone or something, or to describe them in
to have a particular opinion about someone or something, or to describe them in a certain way — for example, calling a decision unfair, or calling a city the best place to live
Many people call New York City the Big Apple because of its energy and size.
passive-like: be called + nickname (popular opinion)
Paul called his neighbor's actions both brave and thoughtful after the fire.
call + object + adjective complement
Rodrigo called the movie the best of the year and recommended it to everyone.
Some historians call the 1920s the golden age of American literature.
- consider
more formal; focuses on careful thought ('I consider her the best candidate')
- regard as
takes the preposition 'as'; slightly more formal ('He is regarded as an expert')
- describe as
focuses on the words used rather than the opinion itself
- deem
formal; often used in official or legal contexts ('The proposal was deemed unacceptable')
文法句型
call + object + noun
call + object + adjective
be + called + noun
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 1 (GIVE NAME): sense 1 gives an actual name to someone or something; sense 5 expresses an opinion or judgment. For example, 'I called him a friend' (sense 5 — I consider him a friend) versus 'I called him David' (sense 1 — David is his name).
常見錯誤
6. to feel that something rightfully belongs to you, especially after working hard
to feel that something rightfully belongs to you, especially after working hard for it or waiting a long time
After ten years of hard work, Joaquín could finally call the restaurant his own.
pattern: call + object + possessive + own (achievement)
The old house was abandoned so long that no one could call it their own.
negative: no one + could call + object + possessive + own
After years of sharing a room, Eric found a quiet place to call his own.
With this impressive victory, the basketball team can finally call the championship trophy their own.
文法句型
call + object + possessive + own
用法筆記
Almost always appears with a possessive pronoun (my, your, his, her, its, our, their) followed by the word 'own'. The object being claimed comes between 'call' and the possessive. This is a fixed expression and rarely appears in other syntactic forms.
7. to use a very loud voice so that someone at a distance can hear what you say, or
to use a very loud voice so that someone at a distance can hear what you say, or to make the natural sound that a bird or other animal typically makes.
Christopher called across the busy street to catch the attention of his cousin.
The old woman called for help when she slipped on the wet kitchen floor.
call + for + help/assistance
At dawn, Aoi could hear the birds calling to each other in the garden.
The police officer called out a warning as the car sped toward the barrier.
"Wait for me!" called Hoa, but the train doors had already closed.
- whisper
to speak very softly
文法句型
call + to + person
call + out + speech
call + for + help/assistance
用法筆記
Also used for animal cries — a bird calls, a wolf calls, but a dog barks and a cat meows. The direct speech pattern ("…" called [person]) is the most common in narrative writing.
常見錯誤
8. to tell everyone present at a formal gathering that they must become quiet so th
to tell everyone present at a formal gathering that they must become quiet so the proceedings can officially begin or resume.
The committee chair called the monthly board meeting to order at exactly ten o'clock.
call + [meeting] + to order
Judge Ignacio called the courtroom to order before the witness could testify.
After loud arguing, the president called for order by banging on the table.
The teacher called the class to order after the lunch bell had stopped ringing.
- bring to order
slightly less common, same meaning
- gavel
very specific — to use a small hammer to call a meeting to order
文法句型
call + noun + to order
call + for + order
用法筆記
Most commonly used in the fixed phrase 'call [meeting/group] to order.' The person doing the calling is typically the chairperson, judge, or presiding officer. Less formal alternatives include 'quiet down' or 'settle down.'
常見錯誤
9. in American football, basketball, and similar team sports, to announce which pla
in American football, basketball, and similar team sports, to announce which play or move the team should execute next.
The quarterback called an audible at the line after spotting a gap in the defence.
call + an audible (specific football term)
Coach Reuben called a timeout with only thirty seconds left on the clock.
In basketball, the point guard calls the play and directs the other players.
The offensive coordinator called a running play, but the defence stopped them for a loss.
- signal
can be non-verbal (hand gestures), whereas call is always spoken
文法句型
call + a/the + play/routes/timeout
用法筆記
Primarily used in American team sports. In American football, the quarterback calls the play in the huddle or changes it at the line (audible). In basketball, the point guard typically calls plays.
10. to deliver a running description of a live sporting contest for people who are l
to deliver a running description of a live sporting contest for people who are listening on the radio or watching on television.
Elise called the championship match live for the national sports radio station.
My grandfather loves listening to baseball games called on the old radio.
passive: be called (game)
Stefan called every serve and volley with growing excitement during the five-set tennis final.
A well-known commentator calls the play-by-play for the local football team on Saturday afternoons.
The network hired a former player to call the Sunday night games this season.
- announce
broader — can mean making any public announcement, not just sports commentary
- commentate
more formal, specifically means providing expert analysis during a broadcast
文法句型
call + a/the + game/match/race
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 9 (CALL PLAYS): sense 9 is about deciding what the team should do next, while this sense is about narrating the action for an audience. The person who calls a game is a commentator or announcer, not a player or coach.
常見錯誤
11. to ask or order a person to make their way to your location, using your voice, a
to ask or order a person to make their way to your location, using your voice, a telephone, or a message delivered through another person.
The nurse called the next patient into the examination room at the clinic.
call + person + into + place
Christopher's mother called him downstairs for dinner when the food was ready.
The fire brigade was called to the scene of the accident within minutes.
The general called his officers to an urgent meeting in the command centre.
Imani called the dog back when it started running toward the busy road.
- dismiss
to send someone away
文法句型
call + person + to + place
call + person + to-infinitive
call + for + person/thing
be called + to + place
用法筆記
Can be used for people, animals, or emergency services. When used for summoning emergency services (ambulance, fire brigade), the construction is normally passive: '[service] was called to [location].' For pets, directional particles (back, over, away) are common.
常見錯誤
12. to go and see someone at their home or workplace for a brief social or professio
to go and see someone at their home or workplace for a brief social or professional stop.
Aoi called on her grandmother every Sunday afternoon after church.
call + on + person (social visit)
The insurance agent called at our house to discuss the new policy options.
call + at + place (professional visit)
The doctor called on several patients during her morning rounds at the hospital.
Reuben called in to see his former teacher while back in town for the holidays.
Théo called at the post office to pick up a parcel before it closed.
文法句型
call + on + person
call + at + place
call + in + to see + person
用法筆記
Primarily British English. In American English, 'visit' or 'stop by' is more common. The specific preposition changes the nuance: 'call on + person' = social visit, 'call at + place' = brief professional errand, 'call in' = informal drop-by.
常見錯誤
13. to officially decide that a meeting, election, strike, or similar event will hap
to officially decide that a meeting, election, strike, or similar event will happen at a particular time
The teachers' union called a strike after months of failed negotiations with the school board.
call + strike (action event)
The president called a press conference to address the growing concerns about public health.
Under the new rules, shareholders can call a vote on executive pay packages.
City officials called a special election to fill the council seat Adina left empty.
- cancel
to decide that a planned event will not happen
文法句型
call + object
用法筆記
Object must be an event noun (strike, meeting, election, vote, press conference, session, hearing). Frequently used in news and formal announcements.
常見錯誤
14. during a game, an official such as a referee or umpire makes an authoritative de
during a game, an official such as a referee or umpire makes an authoritative decision about a player's action or a shot — for instance, ruling that a runner is out, the ball went out of bounds, or a rule was broken
The referee called a foul on the defender for pushing during the corner kick.
call a foul on [player] for [action]
With the score tied, the umpire called the runner out at second base.
The tennis line judge called the serve out, and the crowd erupted in protest.
The referee called a technical foul on the coach for stepping onto the court.
文法句型
call + object + adjective (complement)
call + object + adverbial
用法筆記
Frequently followed by an adjective complement describing the ruling (call someone out, call the ball in/out). Subject must be a sports official (referee, umpire, linesperson, judge). The direct object is either the action (foul, violation) or the player/ball being ruled on.
常見錯誤
❌ 'He called the runner out, but the crowd disagreed.' (no issue, correct) — This pattern is correct; 'call + object + adjective' (call + the runner + out).
15. to say what you think will happen before the final outcome is known — for exampl
to say what you think will happen before the final outcome is known — for example, guessing the winner of a race, where the stock market is heading, or whether a coin flip lands on heads or tails
The financial analysts called the market downturn three months before it happened.
call + object (prediction)
Before the coin toss, Hyun called heads and watched it land tails up.
Most polls called the race too close to declare a winner before midnight.
Astrid called the final score of the championship game within two points.
With so many undecided voters, no one was willing to call the election early.
文法句型
call + object
call + that-clause
to call (intransitive)
用法筆記
Common in sports broadcasting, political commentary, and financial analysis. Can be used intransitively (It's too early to call). The coin-tossing sub-sense (He called heads) follows the same pattern but is specific to that context.
常見錯誤
call — noun
1. an occasion when you use a telephone to speak to another person, often to exchan
an occasion when you use a telephone to speak to another person, often to exchange information or have a conversation
Lara gave her mother a quick call to say she had arrived safely at the hotel.
give + someone + a call
Christopher missed three calls from the office while he was on the train.
miss + a call
The helpline received over two hundred calls on its first day of operation.
If you have any questions about your order, please give us a call.
Niran stepped out of the meeting to take an urgent call from his doctor.
- phone call
fuller term, interchangeable in most contexts
- ring
informal British usage, as in 'give me a ring'
文法句型
give + someone + a call
make + a call
miss + a call
常見錯誤
2. the natural sound that an animal or bird makes, or a loud shout made by a person
the natural sound that an animal or bird makes, or a loud shout made by a person to attract attention or communicate across a distance
The owl's low call echoed through the forest just before midnight.
Ada heard a faint call for help coming from somewhere near the riverbank.
a call for help
The bird's distinctive call sounded like a series of five short whistles.
From the kitchen window, Hyun heard his grandmother's call to come inside for dinner.
A loud call from the crowd told the players the game was about to start.
文法句型
the + noun + of + animal
用法筆記
When referring to a human shout, this sense often appears in the pattern 'a call for + noun' (e.g., a call for help) or with a possessive determiner (e.g., his call).
常見錯誤
3. a general situation in which many people want or need a particular thing, servic
a general situation in which many people want or need a particular thing, service, or change to happen
There has been a growing call for affordable housing in the city centre.
call for + noun (demand)
The government faced increasing calls for better public transport across the region.
The call for volunteer teachers has never been stronger in rural communities.
As the river rose, there were urgent calls for sandbags and extra emergency supplies.
The manager noted a clear call from customers for later opening hours on weekends.
文法句型
call + for + noun
there is + call + for + noun
用法筆記
This sense is typically uncountable and often appears with 'there is/there are' or in negative constructions ('there is no call for...'). Distinguish from sense 4, where 'call' is countable and refers to a specific, often formal, demand rather than general need.
常見錯誤
4. a strong and often public request or demand that a specific action be taken or t
a strong and often public request or demand that a specific action be taken or that someone do something
The union made a call for a strike after months of unsuccessful negotiations.
make a call for + noun
There have been repeated calls for the minister to resign over the funding scandal.
calls + for + someone + to-infinitive
The charity issued an urgent call for donations after the earthquake destroyed thousands of homes.
Kabir answered the call to serve on the local school board for a two-year term.
The president ignored calls from the opposition to delay the new law.
文法句型
call + for + noun
call + to-infinitive
calls + for + noun + to-infinitive
用法筆記
Frequently used in formal, political, or journalistic contexts. The pattern 'calls for + noun + to-infinitive' is especially common in news reports (e.g., 'calls for the government to act').
常見錯誤
5. a short visit made by a professional, especially a doctor or nurse, to see a pat
a short visit made by a professional, especially a doctor or nurse, to see a patient at home, or a brief social or official visit to someone
The doctor made a house call to check on Mr. Chen's recovery after the surgery.
house call
The nurse's daily calls to elderly patients helped the clinic monitor their health at home.
Darius paid a call on his former professor while he was visiting the university town.
The social worker scheduled a call to the family's home for Thursday morning.
Asher's home care plan includes weekly calls from a physical therapist who checks his progress.
- visit
more general and common; 'call' is more formal and often shorter
- house call
specifically a medical visit to someone's home
文法句型
make + a call
pay + a call + on + someone
用法筆記
The medical meaning ('house call') has become less common with modern clinic-based healthcare, but remains in use for home-care services. The social-visit meaning ('pay a call on someone') is formal and slightly old-fashioned.
常見錯誤
6. a personal decision or judgment that someone makes, especially when the choice i
a personal decision or judgment that someone makes, especially when the choice involves uncertainty or requires good judgment
It was a tough call for the manager, but she decided to close the struggling store.
tough call
Vivek made the right call when he chose to study engineering instead of business.
make the right/wrong call
It is your call whether we leave now or wait another hour for the delivery.
The judge's final call in the cooking competition was met with applause from the audience.
Henrik trusted his business instincts and made a call that saved the company a lot of money.
文法句型
it is + someone's + call
make + a call
tough call
用法筆記
Distinguish from the sports-official sense (noun sense 7): this sense covers any general decision or personal judgment, while the sports sense refers specifically to a referee's or umpire's ruling during a game.
常見錯誤
7. in sports, the judgment made by a referee, umpire, or other official about wheth
in sports, the judgment made by a referee, umpire, or other official about whether a player's action or a play is allowed by the rules
The head referee's call on the last play gave the victory to the visiting team.
collocation: referee's call
Rania disagreed with the umpire's call on the third strike during the baseball game.
Nikos argued that the linesman's call was unfair because the ball did not go out.
After watching the replay, the official changed his call to a foul on the defender.
A bad call by the referee can change the entire direction of a soccer match.
用法筆記
This sense of 'call' always refers to a decision by a sports official, not to a player's personal choice. Common in baseball, basketball, tennis, soccer, and other sports where officials rule on plays.