call for — 2 meanings

One phrase, 2 meanings. Learn them one at a time, then test yourself.

phrasal verb2 meanings

call for

require publicly ask for

Meaning 1 · most common

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 “require”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 meaning: publicly ask for

Meaning 2

publicly ask for

call for sth

to publicly demand or request something to happen

How oftenCommon

LevelB2

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

The students called for better facilities at their university.

A: Did you hear the mayor called for stricter traffic laws?
B: Yeah, I think it's about time.

Common mistake

Not: Protesters called for to change the law.

Say: Protesters called for a change in the law. / ...called for the law to be changed.

'Call for + noun' or 'call for + someone + to do' — not 'call for to'.

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

Another example

Many people have called for more action to protect the environment.

Tell it apart

Campaigners called for a ban.

publicly demanded one

The situation calls for caution.

requires it — different sense

Goes with

call for + action

Practice saying this

Test yourself: which one is it?

Spot the meaning

Which one is it?

Read the sentence, then pick the meaning that's in play.

Turn this into speaking practice

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

require publicly ask for