What Does “Call sth out” Mean?
“Call sth out” means to publicly point out or criticize something, often a mistake or problem. It can also mean to shout or announce something loudly.
Introduction
The phrase “call sth out” is a common English phrasal verb used in many contexts. Understanding the call sth out meaning helps learners recognize when someone is highlighting an error, unfair behavior, or announcing something clearly. It is often used in conversations, writing, and even social media to emphasize or criticize a specific issue. Knowing how to use this phrase correctly will improve your fluency and ability to express yourself clearly in both formal and informal situations.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: call something out
- Type: transitive
- Level: B2
- Short meaning: to publicly point out or criticize something; to shout or announce loudly
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Call sth out” is a separable phrasal verb. This means you can place the object (something) between “call” and “out” or after both words.
- call something out
- call out something
Examples:
- She called the mistake out during the meeting.
- He called out the error clearly.
How to Use “Call sth out”?
You use “call sth out” when you want to highlight an issue or problem openly. It is often used in situations where someone wants to criticize unfair behavior or incorrect information. It can also mean to shout something to get attention or to announce something loudly.
For example, if someone is lying or acting unfairly, you might call that behavior out. In a classroom, a teacher might call out a student’s name to get their attention.
Examples
- During the debate, she called out the politician’s false statements.
- The manager called out the team’s poor performance in the last quarter.
- He called out the winner’s name loudly at the ceremony.
- It’s important to call out unfair treatment when you see it.
- She called out the spelling mistake in the report.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: She called out at the mistake.
Correct: She called out the mistake. - Incorrect: They called the problem out loudly. (awkward)
Correct: They called out the problem loudly. - Incorrect: I will call out to the solution.
Correct: I will call out the solution.
Differences / Synonyms
Call sth out vs point sth out: Both mean highlighting something, but “call out” often implies criticism or public attention, while “point out” is more neutral.
Call sth out vs shout out: “Call out” can mean to announce or shout something formally, whereas “shout out” is more casual and friendly, often used to give recognition.
Common Collocations
- Call out a mistake
- Call out unfair behavior
- Call out a problem
- Call out someone’s name
- Call out false information
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of call sth out:
Real-life Dialogue
Anna: Did you see how the teacher called out the spelling errors in our essays?
Ben: Yes, she was very clear. I think it helps us improve.
Anna: I agree. It’s important to call out mistakes so we don’t repeat them.
Practice
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of “call out”:
- During the meeting, the CEO _______ the mistakes in the report.
- She _______ her friend’s name to get attention.
- It’s brave to _______ unfair behavior when you see it.
FAQs
- Q: Is “call sth out” formal or informal?
A: It can be used in both formal and informal contexts. - Q: Can “call out” be used without an object?
A: Yes, but when used without an object, it usually means to shout loudly. - Q: What is the difference between “call out” and “point out”?
A: “Call out” often involves criticism, while “point out” is neutral. - Q: Can I say “call out a person’s name”?
A: Yes, it means to shout or announce the name loudly. - Q: Is “call sth out” separable?
A: Yes, the object can go between or after “call” and “out.”
