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 'Call In': Definition, Usage, and Examples

📖 Definition

To summon someone or something, or request assistance, often invoking external aid or advice to solve a problem or manage a situation.

Examples in context

During the audit, they called in a financial expert to verify the records.
The firefighters were called in to manage the growing blaze.
Feeling overwhelmed, she called in her friends for moral support and advice.

📖 Definition

To summon someone or something, or request assistance, often invoking external aid or advice to solve a problem or manage a situation.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

Yes

The object can come between 'call' and 'in'.

Neutral

Appropriate for both formal and informal contexts.

Transitive

Yes

It requires an object to complete it.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	call in	They call in an expert when things get complicated.
Past Simple	called in	The company called in a consultant last week.
Present Continuous	calling in	We are calling in support to deal with the emergency.
Present Perfect	have called in	They have called in a specialist to review the case.

💡 When to Use

Requesting expert help

Use when summoning a specialist or expert to provide guidance or solve a problem.

Example: "We need to call in a plumber to fix the leak."

Seeking reinforcements

Use when asking for additional assistance to bolster efforts, usually in a challenging situation.

Example: "They called in reinforcements during the large protest."

Introducing external resources

Use when bringing in outside resources, such as teams or equipment, to aid in a task.

Example: "The school called in extra teachers for the event."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Wrong object placement

❌ Wrong: We call the manager in when it's busy.

✅ Correct: We call in the manager when it's busy.

💡 Tip: Place object after 'in' for emphasis.

Incorrect tense usage

❌ Wrong: They call in help yesterday.

✅ Correct: They called in help yesterday.

💡 Tip: Use past tense for completed actions.

Misrelated subject and object

❌ Wrong: She calls in a book.

✅ Correct: She calls in a consultant.

💡 Tip: Ensure the object is a person or team.

Practice

CALL IN - 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

During the audit, they called in a financial expert to verify the records.
How National Parks Came to Be
2
Listen to example

The firefighters were called in to manage the growing blaze.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

Feeling overwhelmed, she called in her friends for moral support and advice.
Bringing Animals Back to Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

summon request

Antonyms

dismiss

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"In the face of adversity, they decided to ___ in additional support."

calm

call in

cold

coiled

"In times of uncertainty, call in wisdom and patience; let them illuminate the path before you, guiding past doubt and trepidation."

In Context

In the early 20th century, Britain faced numerous industrial strikes due to harsh conditions and unfair wages. During one such tumultuous period, the Steelworkers’ Union called in support from their allies to strengthen their cause. In 1926, the unions organized a General Strike. As tensions brewed, the government called in the military to maintain order, demonstrating the lengths authorities would go to preserve stability. Union leaders also called in mediators to open dialogue with the government. Despite the efforts, the strikes eventually subsided without achieving their main goals. In the end, it became a pivotal moment in British labor history, marking a significant turning point. The repeated efforts to call in resources showed the resilience and determination of the working class.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Call In

What is the origin of call in?

The phrase 'call in' originates from the practice of summoning assistance or resources. It has been used across various contexts, from military to business, reflecting the need for collaboration or expertise in problem-solving or crisis management situations.

Can call in be used in formal and informal contexts?

'Call in' is versatile, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is commonly used in professional settings to describe summoning experts and in more casual conversations when discussing bringing in friends or family for support.

What is the difference between call in and summon?

'Call in' and 'summon' are similar, but 'summon' often implies authority or urgency, whereas 'call in' is more neutral, used for routine situations requiring external help or advice without stressing urgency.

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 IN - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Call In

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega