call for

To say publicly or strongly that something should happen or be provided.

• The workers called for better pay.
• She called for an investigation into the accident.
• Protesters are calling for the minister to resign.

How to use it: call for someone to do something (Residents called for the council to repair the road.)

Similar words: demand, request, urge

Common phrases: call for action, call for an inquiry, call for a ban

To need a particular action or quality, or make it suitable.

• This job calls for patience.
• The recipe calls for fresh tomatoes.
• Passing your exams calls for a celebration!

How to use it: call for something (This recipe calls for two eggs.)

Similar words: require, need

Common phrases: call for patience, call for careful planning, call for a celebration

To shout because you want someone to come to you.

• The child called for her mother.
• He called for the nurse when he woke.
• She stood at the door and called for her son.

How to use it: call for someone (He called for his mother from the bedroom.)

Similar words: summon

Common phrases: call for someone, call for the nurse

To ask loudly for something you want or need.

• He called for help.
• The guests called for more wine.
• She called for a blanket, but nobody heard her.

How to use it: call for something (She called for water from the kitchen.)

Similar words: shout for

Common phrases: call for help, call for more wine

If a forecast does this, it says that something is expected to happen.

• The forecast calls for rain.
• Tomorrow’s forecast calls for clear skies.
• The latest report calls for snow over the weekend.

How to use it: call for something (The forecast calls for strong winds overnight.)

Similar words: predict, forecast

Common phrases: call for rain, call for snow

To come to someone’s home or another place to collect them.

• I will call for you at six.
• He called for his sister before the concert.
• Shall we call for you on our way to the station?

How to use it: call for someone at a time (I will call for you at seven.)

Similar words: pick up, collect

Common phrases: call for someone, call for you tonight