Same verb · different particle

“call” phrasal verbs

Same verb, different particle, different meaning. Learn these 5 one at a time, then test yourself.

5 phrasal verbslisten & quiz

call

back for in off on

call + back · 1 of 5

call back

return a phone call

call sb back

to phone someone again after you missed their call or need to respond to their message.

How oftenCommon

LevelB1

Used inMostly spoken

Examples

Sorry I missed your call earlier—I'll call you back after my meeting.

A: Did you talk to Sarah?
B: Not yet. She was busy, but she said she'd call me back later.

Common mistake

Not: I'll call back ~~you~~ in five minutes.

Say: I'll call you back in five minutes.

With a pronoun, the object goes in the middle: 'call you back'.

More on “call back”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

If I see a missed call from an unknown number, I usually don't call back unless they leave a message.

Tell it apart

I'll call you back in five.

return your call

I'll call in on you later.

drop by to visit

Goes with

call someone back

Practice saying this

Next: call for

call + for · 2 of 5

call for

require

call for sth

to need or make something necessary in a situation

How oftenCommon

LevelB1

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

This job calls for a lot of patience.

A: The printer isn't working again.
B: That calls for a new one, don't you think?

Common mistake

Not: The recipe calls for of two eggs.

Say: The recipe calls for two eggs.

'Call for' takes the object directly — no 'of'.

More on “call for”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In my opinion, dealing with stressful situations calls for good communication skills.

Tell it apart

This calls for a celebration!

the occasion requires one

They're calling for his resignation.

publicly demanding it

Goes with

call for + what's needed

Practice saying this

Next: call in

call + in · 3 of 5

call in

visit briefly

call in on sb/somewhere

to visit a place or person for a short time, usually without much planning.

How oftenNow and then

LevelB1

Used inMostly spoken

Examples

I might call in on my grandmother after work to see how she's doing.

A: Are you coming straight home?
B: I’ll call in at the bakery first and grab some bread.

Common mistake

Not: I'll call in you tomorrow.

Say: I'll call in on you tomorrow. / I'll call round tomorrow.

'Call IN ON someone' — don't drop 'on'.

More on “call in”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

If I have time after my classes, I usually call in on my friend who lives nearby for a quick chat.

Tell it apart

I'll call in on Gran on the way.

drop by briefly

I'll call Gran back later.

return her phone call

Goes with

call in (on)

Practice saying this

Next: call off

call + off · 4 of 5

call off

cancel

call off sth

To decide that something planned will not happen, usually because of a problem or change in situation.

How oftenCommon

LevelB1

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

They had to call off the picnic because it started raining.

A: Are we still meeting after work?
B: No, Sarah called off the dinner. She’s not feeling well.

Common mistake

Not: They called ~~the wedding off because of it. They called off it.~~

Say: They called it off.

With a pronoun, the object goes in the middle: 'call it off'.

More on “call off”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In my opinion, it’s important to let everyone know as soon as possible if you need to call off a meeting, so people can adjust their plans.

Tell it apart

They called off the trip.

cancelled the plan

They put off the trip.

postponed it to later

Goes with

call off + event

Practice saying this

Next: call on

call + on · 5 of 5

call on

ask someone to speak or act

call on sb to do sth

To ask someone to answer a question, give an opinion, or do something, especially in a formal or group setting.

How oftenCommon

LevelB1

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

The teacher called on Maria to answer the question.

A: I was so nervous when the manager called on me during the meeting.
B: Did you know the answer?
A: Luckily, yes!

Common mistake

Not: The chair called on to the next speaker.

Say: The chair called on the next speaker.

'Call on someone' — no 'to' before the person.

More on “call on”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In my classes, the teacher often calls on students to share their opinions, which helps everyone stay focused.

Tell it apart

The teacher called on me to answer.

asked me to speak

The teacher called out my name.

said it loudly

Goes with

call on someone (to)

Practice saying this

Test yourself: which “call” fits?

Fill the gap

Which “call” fits?

Read the sentence, then pick the phrasal verb that belongs in the gap.

Turn this into speaking practice

Pick one and say it out loud. Save the ones you mix up.

call back call for call in call off call on