What Does “Call upon sth” Mean?
“Call upon sth” means to officially ask for something or to use a particular quality or resource when needed.
Introduction
The phrase “call upon sth” is a common phrasal verb used in both formal and informal English. It often means to request or make use of something, such as a skill, authority, or resource. Understanding the call upon sth meaning helps learners use it correctly in various situations, from speeches to everyday conversations. This phrase adds formality and emphasis when you want to express that someone is relying on or requesting something important. Knowing how to use “call upon sth” can improve your English fluency and make your language more precise.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: call upon something
- Type: transitive
- Level: B2
- Short meaning: to formally ask for or make use of something
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Call upon sth” is a transitive phrasal verb, which means it always requires an object (something). It is inseparable, so you cannot put the object between “call” and “upon.”
Correct pattern: call upon + something
Incorrect pattern: call + something + upon
How to Use “Call upon sth”?
You use “call upon sth” when you want to express:
- Requesting help, support, or authority
- Using a skill, quality, or resource
- Appealing to a law, rule, or principle
It is often found in formal speech, writing, or situations where polite or official requests are made.
Examples
- The speaker called upon the audience’s sense of justice to support the cause.
- During the crisis, the manager called upon all her experience to solve the problem.
- The law calls upon citizens to pay taxes honestly.
- We may need to call upon additional resources if the project grows.
- She called upon her courage to face the difficult situation.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: She called her experience upon to solve the issue.
Correct: She called upon her experience to solve the issue. - Incorrect: The teacher called upon help from students.
Correct: The teacher called upon the help of students.
Differences / Synonyms
Call upon sth vs. Call on sth: Both can mean to request or use something, but “call upon” is more formal and often used in official or serious contexts. “Call on” is more casual and can also mean to visit someone.
Call upon sth vs. Draw on sth: “Draw on” means to use experience or knowledge, similar to “call upon,” but “draw on” is less formal and more common in everyday speech.
Common Collocations
- Call upon courage
- Call upon authority
- Call upon resources
- Call upon experience
- Call upon the law
- Call upon support
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of call upon sth:
Real-life Dialogue
Anna: The project is very challenging. I’m not sure how to manage it all.
Ben: You might need to call upon your previous experience to handle this.
Anna: That’s a good idea. I’ll also call upon the team’s support to get through it.
Practice
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of “call upon”:
- In times of difficulty, we often __________ our inner strength.
- The president __________ the citizens to stay united.
- She had to __________ all her skills to complete the task.
- The company may __________ additional funds to expand.
- The teacher __________ the students to participate in the discussion.
FAQs
- Q: Is “call upon” formal or informal?
A: It is mostly used in formal or polite contexts. - Q: Can I separate “call upon” with the object?
A: No, “call upon” is inseparable; the object comes after “upon.” - Q: What is the difference between “call upon” and “call on”?
A: “Call upon” is more formal and used for requests or appeals, while “call on” can mean to visit or ask someone to do something. - Q: Can “call upon” be used with people?
A: It is usually used with things like qualities, resources, or laws, but sometimes with people in formal contexts. - Q: What verb form follows “call upon”?
A: A noun or noun phrase usually follows “call upon.”
