Meaning
to demand or request that something happen or be done
Primary Function
Expressing a demand or request
Communicative Purpose
To state what must be done, requested, or needed; often signals urgency or a public appeal.
Pattern
call for
Core Structure
call for
Função primária
Expressing a demand or request
Propósito comunicativo
To state what must be done, requested, or needed; often signals urgency or a public appeal.
Situações de gatilho
When there is a problem requiring action, during protests demanding change, or when arranging to pick someone up.
Contextos
Everyday conversation, formal meetings, professional reports, activist or political discourse.
Padrão
call for
Estrutura central
call for
Slots de substituição
urgent action; reform or innovation; a specific person; a drink or beverage
Colocados típicos
- urgently needed
- widely called for
- situation calls for change
Substituições comuns
- require
- demand
- necessitate
- collect
Erros comuns
Using 'call for' with a gerund (e.g., 'call for doing') — it should be followed by a noun or infinitive.
Similar / contraste
ask for, demand; call off (cancel)
Interferências
In some languages, the equivalent verb may imply invitation rather than necessity; English 'call for' conveys urgent requirement and is often formal.
Família do chunk
- call off
- call out
- call upon
Nuance
Can also mean literally to go and get someone or something, but idiomatically expresses a demand or request.
Efeito pragmático
Expresses a demand or request, often conveying urgency or authority.
Dica de memória
call for help
Nota
Used to express a demand or request for action, often in formal or neutral contexts.
Upgrade path
demand
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