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Meaning trap

call for

require

to need or make something necessary in a situation

phrasal verbB1common

Don't mix these meanings

Same phrase, different job.

require

to need or make something necessary in a situation

call for (publicly ask for)

Another meaning of 'call for' is 'publicly ask for'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.

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Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • This job calls for a lot of patience.daily life
  • In my opinion, dealing with stressful situations calls for good communication skills.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: call for + noun/gerund

WrongThe recipe calls for of two eggs.

RightThe recipe calls for two eggs.

'Call for' takes the object directly — no 'of'.

Patterncall for + noun/gerund

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff This situation necessitates a great deal of patience.

Natural This situation calls for a lot of patience.

'Call for' is the natural verb for what a situation requires; 'necessitates' is formal.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • call for + what's needed
    patiencetwo eggsa celebrationaction

Don't confuse it

'Call for' (require) is different from 'call for' (publicly ask for something).

Try it in Daily Speak →