call on

To ask or urge someone to do something, often publicly or because their help is needed.

• We called on volunteers to help.
• The workers called on the company to improve safety.
• Officials may call on experts to investigate the accident.

How to use it: call on someone to do something (The mayor called on residents to save water.)

Similar words: ask, urge, appeal to

Common phrases: call on someone, call on the government

To choose someone in a class or group to answer a question or speak.

• The teacher called on me.
• She never calls on students who have not raised their hands.
• Will you call on Ben to answer the next question?

How to use it: call on someone to do something (The teacher called on me to explain my answer.)

Similar words: pick, select

Common phrases: call on someone, call on a student

To go to see someone, usually for a short visit.

• We called on my aunt yesterday.
• I might call on you this afternoon.
• Do you still call on your old neighbours?

How to use it: call on someone (We called on our neighbours after lunch.)

Similar words: visit, drop in on

Common phrases: call on someone, call on friends

To use available help, knowledge, or strength when you need it.

• She called on all her strength.
• We can call on experts for help.
• He called on years of experience to handle the crisis.

How to use it: call on someone/something (She called on her experience to solve the problem.)

Similar words: draw on, use, turn to

Common phrases: call on reserves, call on experience, call on someone

To tell someone that something they said or did is wrong or dishonest.

• She called him on his lie.
• Will anyone call the manager on that mistake?
• They called me on my exaggerated story.

How to use it: call someone on something (I called him on his false claim.)

Similar words: challenge, confront

Common phrases: call someone on something, call someone on lies