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

Understanding the Phrasal Verb 'Call For'

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'call for' means to demand or require something, often due to necessity or a specific set of circumstances. It implies a need for action or change.

Examples in context

The weather calls for an umbrella; it's going to rain heavily.
Faced with new challenges, the team called for an advice session.
After the accident, the community called for better road safety measures.

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'call for' means to demand or require something, often due to necessity or a specific set of circumstances. It implies a need for action or change.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

The verb and particle cannot be separated; it must be used together as a single unit.

Neutral

Suitable for both formal and informal contexts, adaptable to various settings.

Transitive

Yes

Requires a direct object, often something that is needed or required.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	call for	The situation calls for immediate action.
Past Simple	called for	She called for help when the situation worsened.
Present Continuous	calling for	He is calling for reforms in education.
Present Perfect	have called for	They have called for changes in the policy.

💡 When to Use

urgent need arises

Use it when there's an immediate or pressing need for something specific to be done.

Example: "The emergency calls for a rapid response team."

policy or reform discussions

Employ it in debates or discussions when suggesting the need for changes or reforms.

Example: "The committee called for transparency in governance."

addressing a crisis

Utilize it in crisis situations where specific measures or actions are necessary.

Example: "The disaster calls for international assistance."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

misuse as separable

❌ Wrong: They called it for help.

✅ Correct: They called for help.

💡 Tip: Remember: 'call for' stays together; don't separate them!

incorrect object usage

❌ Wrong: The situation calls calm.

✅ Correct: The situation calls for calm.

💡 Tip: Always follow 'call for' with a noun or noun phrase.

tense confusion

❌ Wrong: He call for backup yesterday.

✅ Correct: He called for backup yesterday.

💡 Tip: Ensure verb tense agrees with the time of action.

Practice

CALL FOR - 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 weather calls for an umbrella; it's going to rain heavily.
How National Parks Came to Be
2
Listen to example

Faced with new challenges, the team called for an advice session.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

After the accident, the community called for better road safety measures.
Bringing Animals Back to Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

demand require

Antonyms

dismiss

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"The situation ___ immediate attention."

calls on

call for

calls in

calls out

"In times of great change, wisdom calls for patience and persistence, guiding us to act with courage and foresight in uncertainty."

In Context

In the late 18th century, Britain called for unity as the threat of revolution loomed in Europe. Prime Minister William Pitt the Younger, facing the French Revolutionary Wars, called for increased taxes to bolster the navy and expand the army. His decisive actions were controversial, prompting debates within Parliament. Despite opposition, he argued that these measures called for national security against a potent adversary. Pitt's leadership saw Britain through turbulent times as he navigated both domestic challenges and international conflicts. Economic hardship and the necessity for defense prompted him to call for public support, urging citizens to rally behind his policies. Ultimately, Pitt's ability to steer Britain through adversity was instrumental, as his calls for unity and resilience fortified the nation, setting a foundation for the eventual victory over Napoleonic forces. Pitt's legacy reflects a critical era where calls for courage and fortitude enabled a nation to withstand external pressures and internal disagreement.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Call For

What is the origin of call for?

Originating from Old English, 'call' derived from Old Norse 'kalla.' Combined with 'for,' it emphasizes the necessity or demand for something.

Can call for be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, 'call for' is adaptable, functioning effectively in both formal and informal contexts, making it versatile for diverse conversations.

What is the difference between call for and demand?

'Call for' is often used to suggest or require action, while 'demand' implies a forceful or insistent request for immediate response.

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 FOR - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Call For

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega