10 Ways to Use the Word “Call”
The tiny word call pops up everywhere in English. Master these 10 ways to use the word call and you’ll sound natural at work, on the phone, and out with friends.
Common Ways to Use “Call”
Everyday Conversation
- Call someone back. Return a phone call. “I’ll call you back after dinner.”
- Call it a day. Stop working for now. “It’s 6 p.m.—let’s call it a day.”
- Call shotgun. Claim the front passenger seat. “I call shotgun!”
- Call the shots. Make the decisions. “In this project, the manager calls the shots.”
Polite & Professional
- Call a meeting. Arrange a meeting. “I’ll call a meeting for tomorrow morning.”
- Call to confirm. Phone to double-check. “Please call to confirm your appointment.”
- Call someone sir / ma’am. Use a respectful title. “In the U.S., students often call teachers ‘Mr.’ or ‘Ms.’”
Strong / Idiomatic
- Call someone’s bluff. Challenge an empty threat. “He said he’d quit, so the boss called his bluff.”
- Call it even. Decide debts are canceled. “You paid for lunch, I paid for coffee—let’s call it even.”
- Call for help. Ask for assistance. “When the car broke down, she called for help.”
Real-Life Dialogues
Roommate A: It’s midnight and we’re still studying.
Roommate B: Let’s call it a day and restart tomorrow.
Colleague: Who calls the shots on the budget?
Manager: The CFO does. I’ll call a meeting so we can ask her directly.
Friend: You bought the last two coffees, so lunch is on me.
You: Sounds fair—let’s call it even.
Quick Tips: Choosing the Right Phrase
| Situation | Recommended Phrase | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Ending work | Call it a day | Friendly and clear. |
| Making decisions | Call the shots | Idiomatic, shows authority. |
| Returning a call | Call (someone) back | Standard, polite. |
Practice Tip
Try using “call it a day” or “call the shots” in your next conversation—notice how natural you sound!
Why This Matters
- Native speakers use call in many fixed phrases—know them to keep up.
- Varied vocabulary boosts IELTS & TOEFL speaking scores.
- Correct phrases prevent misunderstandings in emails and phone calls.
Pick one new phrase, use it today, and watch your English sound smoother. Happy learning! 😊
