English Phrasal Verbs With “Call”
Phrasal verbs are an essential part of English vocabulary, combining a verb with a preposition or adverb to create a new meaning. The verb “call” is commonly used in phrasal verbs, and mastering these can significantly improve your fluency. Below, we explore some key phrasal verbs with “call,” their meanings, examples, exercises, and answers.
1. Call Off
Meaning: To cancel something that was planned.
- Example 1: They had to call off the meeting due to bad weather.
- Example 2: The concert was called off at the last minute.
- Example 3: She called off her trip because of illness.
Exercise:
Complete the sentences with “call off”:
- The match was _____ because of heavy rain.
- They decided to _____ their wedding.
- We had to _____ the picnic due to a storm.
Answers:
- The match was called off because of heavy rain.
- They decided to call off their wedding.
- We had to call off the picnic due to a storm.
2. Call On
Meaning: To visit someone or to ask someone to do something (often in a formal setting).
- Example 1: The teacher called on me to answer the question.
- Example 2: We called on our neighbors to welcome them.
- Example 3: The manager called on the team to work harder.
Exercise:
Complete the sentences with “call on”:
- The professor _____ several students to share their ideas.
- We should _____ our grandparents this weekend.
- The CEO _____ the employees to increase productivity.
Answers:
- The professor called on several students to share their ideas.
- We should call on our grandparents this weekend.
- The CEO called on the employees to increase productivity.
3. Call Up
Meaning: To telephone someone or to recall something from memory.
- Example 1: I called up my friend to invite her to the party.
- Example 2: He called up his childhood memories.
- Example 3: She called up the restaurant to make a reservation.
Exercise:
Complete the sentences with “call up”:
- Can you _____ the office and ask about the schedule?
- The song _____ happy memories of my vacation.
- I’ll _____ you later to discuss the plans.
Answers:
- Can you call up the office and ask about the schedule?
- The song called up happy memories of my vacation.
- I’ll call up you later to discuss the plans.
Summary Table of Phrasal Verbs with “Call”
Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example |
---|---|---|
Call off | To cancel | They called off the event. |
Call on | To visit or ask formally | She called on her friend. |
Call up | To telephone or recall | He called up his memories. |
Final Exercise:
Fill in the blanks with the correct phrasal verb (“call off,” “call on,” or “call up”):
- They had to _____ the game because of the snow.
- Please _____ me when you arrive.
- The teacher _____ Sarah to solve the problem.
Answers:
- They had to call off the game because of the snow.
- Please call up me when you arrive.
- The teacher called on Sarah to solve the problem.