call on
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle on
Meanings
Ask someone to do something formally
Why “on”? An action is directed onto a person, thing or weakness as its target.
“The chair called on her to speak.”
“The mayor called on residents to save water.”
“Maya called on Leo to explain the project schedule during the office presentation.”
Don't confuse with
Call on means ask someone to do something formally. Call in means visit a place briefly, often on the way somewhere.
Test yourself
“The chair called on her to speak.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
call in
A contrast learners often mix up
Visit a place briefly, often on the way somewhere; Phone a workplace or radio station; Ask experts or professionals to come and help; Demand the return of money lent
cheat on
Same on pattern: target
Be unfaithful to a partner
come on
Same on pattern: target
Used to encourage, hurry or challenge someone; Begin to develop, especially an illness or weather; Start working or be turned on; Make progress or improve; Show romantic or sexual interest in someone, often in a direct way; Be broadcast on television or radio
dote on
Same on pattern: target
Show extreme affection toward someone
fall on
Same on pattern: target
Attack someone fiercely
feast on
Same on pattern: target
Eat a large amount of a particular food with enjoyment
feed on
Same on pattern: target
Eat a particular food regularly
frown on
Same on pattern: target
Disapprove of something
Tell it apart
Side-by-side comparisons with the verbs learners most often confuse for “call on”.
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