What Does “Call sb” Mean?
“Call sb” means to phone or contact somebody by telephone. It is a common way to say you want to speak to someone using a phone.
Introduction
The phrase “Call sb” is often used in everyday English when referring to making a phone call to someone. The “sb” is a short form used in dictionaries and grammar books to mean “somebody.” So, “call sb” simply means “call somebody.” Understanding the call sb meaning helps learners communicate better when talking about contacting friends, family, or colleagues by phone. This phrase is simple but essential, especially in today’s world where phone communication is common. You can use it in formal and informal situations, making it a very useful phrase to learn.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: call sb (call somebody)
- Type: transitive
- Level: A1 (beginner)
- Short meaning: to phone or contact someone by telephone
Structure (Grammar Rules)
The phrasal verb “call sb” is transitive, meaning it needs an object (somebody). It is separable, so you can place the object between “call” and the rest of the sentence if necessary.
Patterns:
- call + somebody (object) — e.g., I will call you later.
- call + object + on the phone — e.g., She called him on the phone yesterday.
How to Use “Call sb”?
You use “call sb” when you want to say you are phoning or contacting someone by phone. It can be used in different tenses and forms depending on the time or situation.
- Present: I call my parents every weekend.
- Past: He called his friend last night.
- Future: She will call you tomorrow.
- Questions: Did you call the office?
It is also common to add details like “on the phone” or “up” for emphasis, but these are optional.
Examples
- I will call you when I arrive.
- Did she call her teacher yesterday?
- He calls his grandmother every Sunday.
- Can you call me later?
- They called the doctor immediately.
Here are some examples of call sb in a sentence to help you understand better.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: I call to you yesterday.
Correct: I called you yesterday. - Incorrect: She calls on phone her mother.
Correct: She calls her mother on the phone. - Incorrect: Can you call me a message?
Correct: Can you call me? (or “Can you send me a message?”)
Differences / Synonyms
“Call sb” means to phone someone. Some similar phrases are:
- Ring sb: Mainly British English, same meaning as call sb.
- Phone sb: More formal than “call sb.”
- Contact sb: More general, not only by phone.
- Get in touch with sb: Broader phrase including calls, messages, or emails.
The main difference is that “call sb” specifically refers to making a telephone call.
Common Collocations
- call a friend
- call a family member
- call a colleague
- call a doctor
- call a customer
- call a meeting (different meaning: organize a meeting)
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of call sb:
Real-life Dialogue
Anna: Did you call Sarah about the party?
Ben: Yes, I called her this morning. She said she will come.
Anna: Great! Can you call John too?
Ben: Sure, I will call him after lunch.
Practice
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of “call” and the right object:
- I ______ (call) my boss yesterday.
- She ______ (call) her parents every weekend.
- Can you ______ (call) me later?
- They ______ (call) the doctor immediately.
- He will ______ (call) you tomorrow.
FAQs
Q1: What does “call sb” mean?
It means to phone or contact somebody by telephone.
Q2: Can I use “call sb” in formal writing?
Yes, it is acceptable in formal and informal contexts.
Q3: Is “call sb” separable?
Yes, you can put the object directly after “call.”
Q4: What is the difference between “call sb” and “ring sb”?
“Ring sb” is mainly British English but means the same as “call sb.”
Q5: Can I use “call” without an object?
Usually, “call” needs an object like somebody or something to be clear.