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 Up': Definition, Usage, and History

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'call up' typically means to summon someone for service, often in the military, or to bring something to mind, such as memories.

Examples in context

The coach decided to call up the young player for the big match.
Every year, families call up ancestors while celebrating traditions.
Veterans were called up to share their stories with students.

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'call up' typically means to summon someone for service, often in the military, or to bring something to mind, such as memories.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

Yes

You can place an object between 'call' and 'up'.

Neutral

Commonly used in both casual and formal contexts.

Transitive

Yes

It requires a direct object to complete its meaning.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	call up	They call up old photographs for inspiration.
Past Simple	called up	She called up her friend to share the good news.
Present Continuous	calling up	He is calling up childhood memories during therapy.
Present Perfect	have called up	We have called up all former players for the reunion.

💡 When to Use

Military enlistment

Use when someone is summoned for military service, often during wartime or for training.

Example: "Many were called up during the recent conflict."

Revisiting memories

Use when someone is recalling or bringing memories to mind, often nostalgically or reflectively.

Example: "She often calls up fond memories of her childhood."

Professional or official meeting

Use when someone is requested to join a meeting, discussion, or to impart information.

Example: "The committee called up the expert for consultation."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect word order

❌ Wrong: She up called her friend.

✅ Correct: She called up her friend.

💡 Tip: Remember, 'call' comes before 'up'.

Misuse with intransitive verb

❌ Wrong: He called up.

✅ Correct: He called up an old memory.

💡 Tip: Always use a direct object.

Incorrect use as inseparable

❌ Wrong: They called the team up.

✅ Correct: They called up the team.

💡 Tip: Place object between 'call' and 'up' only if needed.

"To call up memories is to breathe life into past experiences, shaping our future with wisdom and understanding."

In Context

During World War II, many young men were called up to serve their countries. One notable example was Sir Nicholas Winton, a British humanitarian. As war tensions rose, Winton was called up to assist with facilitating the transport of at-risk Jewish children from Czechoslovakia to Britain. Though he was initially surprised by the call-up, he dedicated himself fully to the mission, organizing trains to safely transport hundreds of children. Winton meticulously called up contacts across Europe, coordinating logistics in a race against time. Though the risks were great, his perseverance paid off. In total, he saved 669 children, a feat that went largely unrecognized for decades. Years later, after the war, the story of Winton’s remarkable efforts rediscovered when a television show called up individuals saved by Winton for a reunion. The survivors, now adults, expressed their immense gratitude. They called up vivid memories of their escape and were united by the enduring legacy of one man's courage. Today, Sir Nicholas Winton’s story serves as a testament to the power of compassion and action, embodying the profound impact that one determined individual can have during tumultuous times.

Practice

CALL UP - 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 coach decided to call up the young player for the big match.
The World in your Pocket
2
Listen to example

Every year, families call up ancestors while celebrating traditions.
The World in your Pocket
3
Listen to example

Veterans were called up to share their stories with students.
The World in your Pocket

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

summon recall

Antonyms

dismiss

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"He was ___ to serve in the army."

called off

call up

called in

called out

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Call Up

What is the origin of 'call up'?

The phrasal verb 'call up' originated from military contexts, where it denoted the summoning of individuals for military service. Over time, it expanded to include summoning memories or individuals in professional settings, reflecting the broader development of 'call' as a versatile verb in English.

Can 'call up' be used in formal and informal contexts?

'Call up' is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. In formal settings, it might refer to summoning someone for a meeting or military service, while in informal contexts, it's often used to refer to recalling memories or calling someone on the phone.

What is the difference between 'call up' and 'summon'?

'Call up' is often used in more personal contexts, such as recalling memories or asking someone to serve in the military. 'Summon' is more formal and authoritative, typically used in legal, professional, or formal scenarios where an individual or entity is required to appear or respond.

Browse Human Communication 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

In Context

CALL UP - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Call Up

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega