call on

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Certainly! Let's break down the phrase "call on."

Definition:

"Call on" is a phrasal verb that means to ask someone for help, information, or to request something. It can also mean to visit someone briefly.

Usage Instructions:

• You can use "call on" when you need assistance or advice from someone.
• You can also use it when you want to visit someone, especially in a casual or informal way.

Examples:

1. Request for Help:
   • "She called on her friend for advice about her job interview."
2. Visit Someone:
   • "I plan to call on my grandparents this weekend."

Advanced Usage:

• "Call on" can also be used in formal contexts where someone is asked to speak or give their opinion.
  • Example: "The teacher called on John to answer the question."

Word Variants:

• Call upon: This is a more formal version of "call on" and is often used in written English.
  • Example: "The committee called upon the community members to contribute."

Different Meanings:

1. Request for Help: As mentioned above, asking for assistance.
2. Visit: To stop by someone’s house or place for a short time.
3. Address Someone: To choose someone to speak in a meeting or gathering.

Synonyms:

• Ask for
• Appeal to
• Request
• Visit (in the context of stopping by)

Idioms and Related Phrasal Verbs:

• Call for: This means to demand something or indicate that something is necessary.
  • Example: "The situation calls for immediate action."
• Call out: This means to shout or speak loudly to someone, often to gain their attention or challenge them.
  • Example: "She called out to her friend across the street."

Summary:

"Call on" is a versatile phrase that can mean asking for help or visiting someone. It's useful in both casual and formal situations.

Academic

Verb

1. have recourse to or make an appeal or request for help or information to
   • She called on her Representative to help her
   • She turned to her relatives for help

Synonyms

• turn