Understanding ‘Call for’: Definition and Usage

The phrasal verb ‘call for’ is a versatile expression that can significantly enhance your English proficiency, particularly in the IELTS Speaking test. It typically means to demand, require, or publicly ask for something.

Primary Meanings:

1. To demand or require something:
   “The situation calls for immediate action.”

2. To publicly ask for something:
   “The protesters are calling for changes in government policy.”

3. To go to a place and collect something or someone:
   “I’ll call for you at 8 pm.”

Synonyms include: demand, request, necessitate, advocate for.

Contextual Usage

‘Call for’ can be used in various contexts, from formal to informal situations:

• Formal: “The committee is calling for a thorough investigation into the matter.”
• Informal: “This party calls for some loud music!”
• Written: “The report calls for stricter regulations on environmental pollution.”
• Spoken: “I think this situation calls for a celebration, don’t you?”

Examples of 'Call for' usage in different contexts

Grammar Analysis

‘Call for’ is an inseparable phrasal verb, meaning you cannot place an object between ‘call’ and ‘for’. It’s typically followed by a noun or gerund:

• Correct: “The situation calls for careful planning.”
• Incorrect: “The situation calls careful planning for.”

Application in IELTS

Speaking Section:

‘Call for’ can be effectively used to answer various IELTS Speaking questions:

Question: “What changes would you like to see in your city?”
Sample Answer: “I believe our city calls for better public transportation. The current system is inadequate, and implementing a more efficient network would greatly benefit the residents.”

Writing Section:

In IELTS Writing, ‘call for’ can add sophistication to your essays:

“Many environmentalists are calling for stricter regulations on industrial emissions to combat climate change.”

Remember to use it judiciously, as overuse might make your writing seem repetitive.

Related Phrasal Verbs

1. Call off /kɔːl ɒf/ – to cancel
   “The outdoor event was called off due to heavy rain.”

2. Call on /kɔːl ɒn/ – to visit
   “I decided to call on my grandmother on my way home.”

3. Call out /kɔːl aʊt/ – to shout or criticize publicly
   “The CEO was called out for his controversial remarks.”

4. Call up /kɔːl ʌp/ – to telephone or summon
   “I’ll call you up later to discuss the details.”

5. Call upon /kɔːl əˈpɒn/ – to ask for help or support
   “The government called upon citizens to conserve water during the drought.”

Illustration of related phrasal verbs with 'call'

Practice Exercises

Fill in the Blanks:

1. The crisis __ for immediate action.
2. Environmental groups are __ for stricter pollution controls.
3. I’ll __ you at 7 pm for our dinner reservation.
4. The situation __ for careful consideration.
5. Experts are __ for more research on the topic.
6. The charity event was __ off due to lack of funding.
7. She decided to __ on her old friend while in town.
8. The referee __ out a warning to the players.
9. I’ll __ you up tomorrow to confirm our plans.
10. The president __ upon the nation to stay united.

Sentence Rewriting:

1. The meeting was cancelled at the last minute.
   Rewrite: The meeting was __ at the last minute.

2. This problem requires a creative solution.
   Rewrite: This problem __ a creative solution.

3. The protesters demanded justice for the victims.
   Rewrite: The protesters __ justice for the victims.

4. I’ll pick you up at 6 pm.
   Rewrite: I’ll __ you at 6 pm.

5. The situation necessitates immediate action.
   Rewrite: The situation __ immediate action.

6. She criticized the company publicly for its unethical practices.
   Rewrite: She __ the company for its unethical practices.

7. Please telephone me later about the details.
   Rewrite: Please __ me later about the details.

8. The government requested support from international organizations.
   Rewrite: The government __ support from international organizations.

9. We need to visit our grandparents this weekend.
   Rewrite: We need to __ our grandparents this weekend.

10. The coach shouted instructions to the players.
    Rewrite: The coach __ instructions to the players.

Answers and Explanations:

Fill in the Blanks:

1. calls for 2. calling for 3. call for 4. calls for 5. calling for
2. called 7. call 8. called 9. call 10. called

Sentence Rewriting:

1. called off
2. calls for
3. called for
4. call for
5. calls for
6. called out
7. call me up
8. called upon
9. call on
10. called out

Explanations:

• In sentences 1-5, we use ‘call for’ to express demand or requirement.
• Sentence 6 uses ‘call off’ to indicate cancellation.
• Sentence 7 uses ‘call on’ to mean visit.
• Sentences 8 and 10 use ‘call out’ to express public criticism or shouting.
• Sentence 9 uses ‘call up’ to mean telephone.

Memory Tips

To remember ‘call for’, imagine a town crier ringing a bell and calling out for something important. This visual representation can help you associate the phrase with its meaning of demanding or requiring something.

Another trick is to break it down: ‘Call’ (to shout or demand) + ‘for’ (in support of). This breakdown can help you remember that ‘call for’ often means to publicly ask for or demand something.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. Mistake: Using ‘call to’ instead of ‘call for’
   Correct: “We are calling for change.” Not “We are calling to change.”

2. Mistake: Separating the phrasal verb
   Correct: “The situation calls for careful planning.” Not “The situation calls careful planning for.”

3. Mistake: Using ‘call for’ when ‘call’ alone is sufficient
   Correct: “I’ll call you later.” Not “I’ll call for you later.” (unless you mean you’ll come to pick the person up)

To avoid these mistakes, practice using ‘call for’ in context regularly. Pay attention to native speakers and how they use this phrasal verb in various situations. Remember, in the IELTS test, correct usage of phrasal verbs like ‘call for’ can significantly enhance your score by demonstrating a wide range of vocabulary and natural language use.

Conclusion

Mastering phrasal verbs like ‘call for’ is crucial for achieving a high score in the IELTS test, particularly in the Speaking and Writing sections. Its versatility allows you to express demands, requirements, and public requests effectively. By understanding its various meanings, practicing its usage, and avoiding common mistakes, you can incorporate ‘call for’ naturally into your English communication. Remember to use it in context, both in your IELTS preparation and in real-life situations, to solidify your understanding and improve your overall English proficiency.

For more insights on enhancing your IELTS performance, you might find our article on the importance of regulating genetically modified organisms helpful, as it provides a great example of how to discuss complex topics using advanced vocabulary and structures.