Understanding the Phrasal Verb "Call on": Meaning and Usage in English

The English language is rich with phrasal verbs, and "Call on" is a particularly versatile one that often puzzles learners. Understanding its different meanings and how to correctly use "Call on" can significantly enhance your fluency and comprehension. Whether you want to talk about formally visiting someone, requesting assistance, or selecting someone to speak in a meeting, "Call on" is a key phrase to master for more natural-sounding English. This guide will thoroughly explore the various definitions of "Call on", demonstrate its grammatical structures with clear examples, introduce related synonyms, and provide practical exercises to solidify your learning journey with English phrasal verbs.

Table of Contents

• What Does Call on Mean?
• Structure with Call on
• Related Phrases and Synonyms
• Practice Time!
• Conclusion

What Does Call on Mean?

The phrasal verb "Call on" can seem tricky because its meaning changes quite a bit depending on the context it's used in. Generally, it involves an action of reaching out to someone or something, whether for a formal visit, a specific request, or to ask for a response or contribution. Recognizing these nuances is crucial for effective communication and for fully understanding native English speakers. This phrasal verb is common in both formal and informal English.

More: 'Call Off' Explained: A Comprehensive Guide to This Phrasal Verb

Structure with Call on

To truly grasp how to use "Call on", it's essential to look at its different meanings and the typical grammatical structures associated with each. Learning these patterns will help you integrate this phrasal verb accurately and confidently into your own speaking and writing. Below, we break down the primary uses of "Call on".

Meaning 1: To Visit Someone (Formally or Briefly)

One of the most common meanings of "Call on" is to pay someone a visit. This usage often implies a degree of formality or that the visit is relatively short. It's less casual than "drop by" or "pop in." Think of diplomatic visits or checking in on an elderly relative.

• Structure: Subject + call on + someone
  • This structure is straightforward: the person doing the visiting is the subject, followed by "call on," and then the person or people being visited.
• Example 1: The new CEO plans to call on each department head individually next week to get acquainted.
  • Here, the CEO is making formal, short visits to key staff members.
• Example 2: As part of her pastoral duties, the vicar tries to call on elderly members of the congregation regularly.
  • This suggests routine, caring visits.

Meaning 2: To Ask Someone to Do Something; To Request or Urge

Another significant meaning of "Call on" is to formally ask or request someone to do something. This can range from a polite request to a more urgent appeal or even a demand, depending on the authority of the speaker and the context. It often implies that the person being called upon has the ability or responsibility to act. The use of "Call on" in this way emphasizes the seriousness of the request.

• Structure: Subject + call on + someone + to + verb (base form)
  • In this structure, "someone" is the person being asked, and the action they are requested to perform is indicated by "to + verb."
• Example 1: The United Nations called on all member states to observe the ceasefire immediately.
  • This is a formal and urgent request from an authoritative body.
• Example 2: After the system failure, the IT department was called on to restore services as quickly as possible.
  • This implies a demand for action due to their specific expertise.

Meaning 3: To Select Someone to Speak or Answer

This meaning of "Call on" is very common in educational settings, meetings, or any situation where individuals are chosen to contribute verbally. A teacher might call on a student, or a chairperson might call on a committee member.

• Structure: Subject + call on + someone (+ to + verb (base form) / for + noun)
  • The "someone" is the person selected. They might be called on "to answer," "to speak," or "for their opinion."
• Example 1: The professor tends to call on students who seem disengaged to encourage participation.
  • This is a typical classroom scenario.
• Example 2: During the press conference, the spokesperson will call on reporters for their questions one by one.
  • This shows an organized way of managing contributions.

Meaning 4: To Make Use Of a Quality, Skill, or Resource

"Call on" can also mean to draw upon or utilize an internal quality (like courage or patience) or an external resource (like savings or expertise). It suggests relying on something available to overcome a challenge or achieve a goal.

• Structure: Subject + call on + something (e.g., reserves, experience, strength, knowledge)
  • Here, "something" refers to the quality or resource being utilized.
• Example 1: Faced with a difficult negotiation, she had to call on all her diplomatic skills to reach an agreement.
  • She utilized her existing skills.
• Example 2: The small business had to call on its emergency fund when sales dropped unexpectedly.
  • They made use of a financial resource.

More: Mastering the Phrasal Verb 'Call in': Meanings and Usage

Related Phrases and Synonyms

Understanding synonyms can broaden your vocabulary and help you grasp the nuances of different phrasal verbs. Here are some alternatives that share similar meanings to the various uses of "call on":

More: Decoding 'Call for': A Guide to This Essential Phrasal Verb

Practice Time!

Let's test your understanding of "call on" with a few questions. Choose the best answer for each.

Question 1: Which sentence correctly uses "call on" to mean visiting someone? a) The committee will call on more funding.

b) My aunt decided to call on us last Sunday.

c) The teacher will call on students who raise their hands.

d) He had to call on his inner strength.

Correct answer: b

Question 2: "The mayor called on all citizens to conserve water." In this sentence, "called on" means: a) To visit formally.

b) To select to speak.

c) To make use of a resource.

d) To request or urge.

Correct answer: d

Question 3: When a professor says, "I will call on Maria for the next question," what does "call on" mean? a) Visit Maria.

b) Select Maria to answer.

c) Ask Maria for help.

d) Rely on Maria's notes.

Correct answer: b

Question 4: "To complete the marathon, he had to call on reserves of energy he didn't know he possessed." What does "call on" imply here? a) Formally requesting energy.

b) Visiting his reserves of energy.

c) Utilizing or drawing upon his reserves of energy.

d) Asking his energy a question.

Correct answer: c

Conclusion

Learning phrasal verbs like "Call on" is a significant step towards mastering English and speaking more naturally. Understanding its various meanings—from visiting someone, to requesting action or input, to utilizing a resource—and its grammatical structures will greatly improve your communication skills. Don't be afraid to use it! Keep practicing its usage in different contexts, and you'll find yourself using "Call on" with confidence and precision in your everyday English conversations and writing.