call on
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle on
Meanings
Ask someone to do something formally
Why “on”? Sliding forward along the surface. Motion that keeps going on and on.
“The chair called on her to speak.”
“The judge called on the witness to answer.”
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
bring on
Same on pattern: continuation
Cause something, especially an illness or feeling, to start; Help someone or something develop or improve
carry on
Same on pattern: continuation
Continue doing something; Behave in a silly, loud or annoying way; Have a romantic affair, often secretly
catch on
Same on pattern: continuation
Become popular or fashionable; Begin to understand something
come on
Same on pattern: continuation
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; Try to start a romantic or sexual relationship with someone; Be broadcast on television or radio
crack on
Same on pattern: continuation
Continue working hard, often after a break
drag on
Same on pattern: continuation
Continue for too long in a tedious way
drone on
Same on pattern: continuation
Talk for a long time in a boring, monotonous voice
Tell it apart
Side-by-side comparisons with the verbs learners most often confuse for “call on”.
Practice “call on” in Sink In
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