Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

I came across the street to meet you

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

The bridge came across the river

Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

She comes across as very confident in interviews

He came across the finish line first

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

The bus will come by this route

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

I come by the office every morning at 8

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Can you come by my house later for coffee?

The train came by the station too fast

She comes by the grocery store home

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The new iPhone will come out next month

I need to come out from the house now

The new iPhone will come out next month

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The truth finally came out after the investigation

The students came out to the classroom

Phrasal Verb: Call On - Usage and Definition

📖 Definition

To call on means to request assistance or opinion from someone or to pay a formal visit. It emphasizes the act of reaching out to others.

Examples in context

The minister called on the community to support the new policy.
During the meeting, the CEO called on each department for a report.
Students are often called on to participate during lectures.

📖 Definition

To call on means to request assistance or opinion from someone or to pay a formal visit. It emphasizes the act of reaching out to others.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

This phrasal verb cannot be separated; the verb and preposition must stay together.

Neutral

It is used in both formal and informal settings without any change in tone.

Transitive

Yes

This verb needs a direct object, which is usually a person or group.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	call on	She calls on her friends for support during difficult times.
Past Simple	called on	Yesterday, the professor called on students to present their projects.
Present Continuous	calling on	He is calling on volunteers to join the cleanup project.
Present Perfect	have called on	They have called on expert witnesses to testify in the trial.

💡 When to Use

Requesting help or advice

Use when seeking someone's assistance or expertise for a problem or task.

Example: "I will call on the IT department to fix this issue."

Formal visits

Employ when describing a polite visit to someone's home or office.

Example: "We plan to call on the neighbors this weekend."

Engaging in a discussion

Apply when inviting someone to contribute their thoughts in a debate or meeting.

Example: "The moderator will call on you to share your views next."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect use with objects

❌ Wrong: She called her mentor on for advice.

✅ Correct: She called on her mentor for advice.

💡 Tip: Remember the verb and preposition must stay together.

Wrong tense form

❌ Wrong: He is call on them often.

✅ Correct: He calls on them often.

💡 Tip: Use the present simple for habitual actions.

Misplacing context

❌ Wrong: She called on the for her work computer.

✅ Correct: She called on IT for her work computer.

💡 Tip: Ensure the object is a person or group, not a thing.

Practice

CALL ON - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

1
Listen to example

The minister called on the community to support the new policy.
How National Parks Came to Be
2
Listen to example

During the meeting, the CEO called on each department for a report.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

Students are often called on to participate during lectures.
Bringing Animals Back to Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

summon request

Antonyms

dismiss

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"The teacher decided to ___ the shy student first."

call at

call on

call in

call up

"To effectively change the world, one must call on inner strength and wisdom, fostering growth through contemplation and action."

In Context

During the American Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln frequently called on his cabinet members to discuss key military strategies and political decisions. One notable instance occurred in 1862, when Lincoln called on his Secretary of War, Edwin Stanton, seeking advice on how to reinforce the Union Army. The president knew he needed Stanton's support to issue the Emancipation Proclamation, which Lincoln was drafting. By calling on his advisors for their insights, Lincoln ensured that he considered various perspectives, which was crucial for making informed decisions during turbulent times. After his initial meetings, Lincoln decided to call on Congress, urging them to pass necessary legislation that aligned with his strategic vision. His ability to call on different stakeholders allowed him to navigate through complex political terrain, ultimately leading to the Union's victory and the abolition of slavery. Lincoln's leadership style was characterized by his willingness to call on his advisors, displaying both humility and wisdom.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Call On

What is the origin of call on?

The phrase call on originates from Middle English, where ‘call’ meant to summon or invite, while ‘on’ implies addressing someone or a group.

Can call on be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, call on can be used in both formal and informal settings. Its meaning remains the same, but the context determines the tone.

What is the difference between call on and summon?

While both imply requesting someone's presence, call on is generally more polite or formal, whereas summon suggests a command or official demand.

Browse All National Parks Phrasal Verbs

About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey

📖 Definition

📖 Definition

📝 Grammar Info

📊 Conjugation Table

💡 When to Use

⚠️ Common Mistakes

CALL ON - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Call On

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega