Understanding the Phrasal Verb "Call in": Meanings and Usage
Welcome, English learners! The phrasal verb Call in is a versatile and commonly used expression in the English language. Truly grasping its various meanings, such as to call in sick or to summon professional help, can significantly enhance your conversational fluency and comprehension. This article is designed to be your comprehensive guide to mastering Call in. We will delve into its different definitions, explore how to correctly structure sentences using it, discover related synonyms, and finally, test your understanding with some practice exercises. Get ready to confidently use Call in in your daily English interactions!
Table of Contents
What Does Call in Mean?
The phrasal verb Call in is a multi-faceted expression in English. At its core, it often relates to communication via telephone or the act of summoning someone or something. For example, you might call in to your workplace if you're unwell, or a company might call in experts for consultation. Its precise meaning is highly dependent on the context, making it essential to understand its various applications to use it effectively. This versatility is what makes Call in both useful and sometimes tricky for learners.
More: Decoding 'Call for': A Guide to This Essential Phrasal Verb
Structure with Call in
Understanding how to structure sentences with Call in is crucial for its correct application. This phrasal verb can be either transitive (requiring a direct object) or intransitive (not needing a direct object). Additionally, its particle "in" can sometimes be separated from the verb "call" by an object. Let's break down the common structures associated with the primary meanings of Call in.
Meaning 1 of "Call in": To Telephone a Place (e.g., Work, a Show)
One of the most frequent uses of Call in is to make a telephone call, especially to inform your place of employment about an absence or to participate in a broadcast like a radio or TV show. This usage highlights the act of reporting information or contributing remotely via phone.
Structure 1.1 (Intransitive - often with an adjective): Subject + call + in + (adjective like 'sick', 'well', 'late')
- This structure is very common when employees need to inform their employer. The phrase "call in sick" is a standard English idiom. You might also call in well if you're confirming your return after an illness, or call in late if you anticipate a delay.
- Example 1: "Sarah felt a fever coming on, so she had to call in sick to her manager first thing in the morning."
- Example 2: "Many fans call in to sports radio shows to discuss the game's outcome and share their excitement."
Structure 1.2 (Implied destination or for participation): Subject + call + in + (to + place/program)
- While you can say "call the office," using "call in" often emphasizes that you are reporting from an external location or phoning into a central system or program.
- Example 1: "Listeners were encouraged to call in with their song requests during the evening show."
- Example 2: "He had to call in to the conference line for the remote team meeting."
Meaning 2 of "Call in": To Summon or Request Help
Another significant meaning of Call in involves requesting the presence or services of someone, typically a professional, expert, or authority figure, to provide assistance, advice, or to handle a specific situation. This implies a need that cannot be met by those currently present.
Structure 2.1 (Transitive - inseparable particle): Subject + call + in + someone (e.g., an expert, a doctor, the police)
- In this case, "in" functions as an adverbial particle directly modifying "call," and the person being summoned follows directly.
- Example 1: "The museum decided to call in an art historian to authenticate the newly discovered painting."
- Example 2: "If the situation escalates, we will have to call in security personnel."
Structure 2.2 (Transitive - separable particle): Subject + call + someone + in
- This structure is also very common, where the object (the person being summoned) is placed between "call" and "in." This often lends a natural flow to the sentence.
- Example 1: "The family had to call a plumber in when they discovered a major leak in the bathroom."
- Example 2: "The lead investigator decided to call all available detectives in to work on the high-profile case."
- Using Call in for this meaning, like to request assistance, suggests a level of importance or formality in seeking professional help.
Meaning 3 of "Call in": To Order or Request the Return of Something
Call in can also mean to officially order or request that something be brought back or returned. This is frequently used in financial contexts, such as with loans, or in manufacturing for product recalls due to safety or quality issues.
Structure 3.1 (Transitive - inseparable particle): Subject + call + in + something (e.g., a loan, a product, a favor, reports)
- The object here is the item or concept being recalled or requested for return.
- Example 1: "The automotive company was forced to call in over 50,000 vehicles due to a faulty braking system."
- Example 2: "Our manager will call in all outstanding expense reports by the end of the week."
Structure 3.2 (Transitive - separable particle): Subject + call + something + in
- As with the previous meaning, the object can comfortably sit between "call" and "in."
- Example 1: "The bank reserves the right to call a loan in if the borrower violates the terms of the agreement."
- Example 2: "After years of helping her, he finally decided it was time to call that big favor in."
- This use of Call in often implies an existing authority or right to demand the return. The phrase "call in a favor" is a particularly useful idiomatic expression, meaning to ask someone to do something for you because you have done something for them in the past.
More: Decoding 'Call Away': Your Guide to This Essential Phrasal Verb
Related Phrases and Synonyms
Expanding your vocabulary with words and phrases similar to Call in can make your English sound more natural and varied. Depending on the specific meaning of Call in you intend, different synonyms might be appropriate. Here are some common alternatives:
| Synonym | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Telephone | To contact someone using a phone, often for general communication. | "She will telephone the school to inform them of her child's absence." |
| Summon | To officially order or formally request someone to come to a place. | "The committee will summon expert witnesses to testify." |
| Request | To ask for something, often assistance or a service, politely or formally. | "We need to request technical support for the system outage." |
| Recall | To officially order the return of products, usually due to defects. | "The food company had to recall a batch of contaminated items." |
| Enlist help | To obtain the support, aid, or services of someone for a task. | "For the charity event, they plan to enlist help from local volunteers." |
| Report | To give an account of something, often to an authority (e.g., report sick). | "He had to report his absence to his supervisor." |
Understanding these synonyms will help you choose the most precise word for your context when you might otherwise use Call in.
More: Mastering the Phrasal Verb: Buy Up and Its Common Uses
Practice Time!
Now let's put your knowledge of Call in to the test! Choose the best option for each question.
Question 1: Which sentence best uses "call in" to mean informing your workplace you won't be coming due to illness?
a) The manager will call in the team for an urgent meeting.
b) I need to call in sick today, I'm not feeling well.
c) The company decided to call in all old models of the phone.
d) She will call in her friend to help with the project.
Correct answer: b
Question 2: "The government had to _______ an independent investigator to look into the matter." Which option best completes the sentence?
a) call in on
b) call sick in
c) call in
d) call off
Correct answer: c
Question 3: In the sentence, "The manufacturer had to call in thousands of cars," the phrasal verb "call in" means:
a) To telephone.
b) To visit briefly.
c) To request professional help.
d) To order the return of something (recall).
Correct answer: d
Question 4: "I'm running late for work, I should probably _______."
a) call in it
b) call in late
c) call late in
d) call a late in
Correct answer: b
Conclusion
Learning and understanding the phrasal verb Call in is a valuable step in enhancing your English proficiency. By familiarizing yourself with its various meanings—such as telephoning your workplace (e.g., to call in sick), summoning assistance from professionals, or ordering the return of items—and its correct grammatical structures, you empower yourself to communicate with greater clarity and confidence. Remember, consistent practice is key to mastering phrasal verbs. Try to use Call in in your own sentences and listen for it in conversations and media. Keep up the great work!