ask someone to speak or act
The teacher called on Maria to answer the question.
call on — 3 meanings
Same words, different jobs. Compare the meanings side by side so you know which one fits the situation.
phrasal verb3 meanings
call onsame phrase
Which one do you mean?
visit briefly
I decided to call on my grandmother after work to see how she was doing.
draw upon (resources, qualities, or skills)
In times of crisis, leaders must call on their experience and resilience to guide their teams.
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Meanings in detail
1. ask someone to speak or act
B1neutralboth
To ask someone to answer a question, give an opinion, or do something, especially in a formal or group setting.
The teacher called on Maria to answer the question.
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Sign in to unlock2. visit briefly
B2neutralboth
To visit someone for a short time, usually without much planning or for a specific reason.
I decided to call on my grandmother after work to see how she was doing.
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Sign in to unlock3. draw upon (resources, qualities, or skills)
C1formalwritten
To make use of a particular resource, quality, or skill, especially when it is needed to deal with a situation.
In times of crisis, leaders must call on their experience and resilience to guide their teams.
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