Phrasal Verbs with "CALL," along with their meanings

Have you ever heard someone say “call off” or “call back” and wondered what they meant?

Phrasal verbs are tricky little phrases in English that combine a verb (like “call”) with a word like “off,” “up,” or “in” to create a whole new meaning.

In this post, we’re going to explore phrasal verbs with “call” in the simplest way possible. By the end, you’ll know what they mean and how to use them in your everyday life. Let’s get started!

What Are Phrasal Verbs?

Before we jump into the list, let’s quickly understand what phrasal verbs are. A phrasal verb is a combination of a verb and one or two small words (called particles) that together mean something different from the original verb alone. For example, “call” means to phone someone or shout their name, but “call off” means to cancel something. Cool, right? Now, let’s look at some common phrasal verbs with “call” and break them down.

1. Call Off

Hook: Imagine you’ve planned a big picnic, but then it starts raining—what do you do?
Meaning: To “call off” means to cancel something, like an event, plan, or activity.
Explanation: When you decide not to do something you had planned, you “call it off.” It’s like telling everyone, “Sorry, it’s not happening anymore!”
Examples:

We had to call off the party because of the storm.
They called off the meeting because the boss was sick.
Simple Tip: Think of “off” as turning something off—like switching off a plan!

2. Call Back

Hook: Has someone ever said, “I’ll call you back,” and left you waiting by the phone?
Meaning: To “call back” means to return a phone call or contact someone again later.
Explanation: If you miss a call or can’t talk right now, you promise to “call back” when you’re free. It’s a way to say, “I’ll get back to you soon.”
Examples:

She was busy, so she said she’d call me back later.
I left a message, and he called back in the evening.
Simple Tip: “Back” means returning—so you’re returning the call!

3. Call Up

Hook: Have you ever picked up the phone to chat with an old friend out of the blue?
Meaning: To “call up” means to phone someone or bring something (like a memory) to mind.
Explanation: This phrasal verb has two uses. First, it’s a casual way to say you’re making a phone call. Second, it can mean remembering something from the past.
Examples:

I decided to call up my cousin to say hi. (Phone call)
That song calls up memories of my childhood. (Remembering)
Simple Tip: “Up” makes it feel like you’re lifting the phone or lifting a memory!

4. Call In

Hook: Ever stayed home from work and let your boss know you’re not coming?
Meaning: To “call in” means to phone someone, often to report something, like being sick or asking for help.
Explanation: You use this when you contact a place (like work or a radio show) to give information or get assistance. It’s a way to check in with someone.
Examples:

She called in sick because she had a cold.
We had to call in a plumber to fix the leak.
Simple Tip: “In” means going inside—like calling into a place or situation!

5. Call Out

Hook: Have you ever shouted someone’s name across a crowded room?
Meaning: To “call out” means to shout to get someone’s attention or to point out something (like a mistake).
Explanation: This can mean yelling loudly to someone or calling attention to something wrong. It’s like saying, “Hey, over here!” or “Hey, you messed up!”
Examples:

I called out to my friend when I saw her at the park. (Shouting)
He called out the teacher for giving the wrong answer. (Pointing out)
Simple Tip: “Out” means outward—like sending your voice or words out!

6. Call On

Hook: Picture a teacher picking students to answer questions in class—scary, right?
Meaning: To “call on” means to ask someone to speak, answer, or help, or to visit someone.
Explanation: This is often used when someone in charge (like a teacher) picks you to do something. It can also mean stopping by to see someone.
Examples:

The teacher called on me to read the story. (Ask to speak)
We called on Grandma yesterday to see how she’s doing. (Visit)
Simple Tip: “On” feels like putting the spotlight on someone!

7. Call Over

Hook: Ever waved at your dog and shouted for it to run to you?
Meaning: To “call over” means to ask someone to come closer by shouting or signaling.
Explanation: You use this when you want someone (or even a pet) to come to where you are. It’s a friendly way to get their attention.
Examples:

I called over my brother to show him the funny video.
She called the dog over with a whistle.
Simple Tip: “Over” means moving toward you—so you’re calling them over here!

8. Call Around

Hook: Need to find a cheap pizza place but don’t know where to start?
Meaning: To “call around” means to phone several people or places to get information or help.
Explanation: This is what you do when you’re shopping around or asking different people for something—like prices or advice.
Examples:

I called around to find the best deal on a new phone.
She called around to see who could babysit tonight.
Simple Tip: “Around” means going to lots of places—so you’re calling all over!

9. Call Away

Hook: Ever been pulled away from a fun game by an annoying phone call?
Meaning: To “call away” means to be asked to leave what you’re doing for something else.
Explanation: This happens when someone or something interrupts you and needs your attention somewhere else. It’s not super common, but it’s useful to know!
Examples:

He was called away from the party to help a friend.
The doctor was called away for an emergency.
Simple Tip: “Away” means leaving—so you’re called away from where you are!

10. Call Down

Hook: Have you ever gotten in trouble and felt like someone was yelling at you from above?
Meaning: To “call down” means to scold or criticize someone, or to shout to someone below you.
Explanation: This can mean telling someone off (like a parent might) or literally calling to someone downstairs. It’s less common but still pops up sometimes.
Examples:

The boss called him down for being late again. (Scolding)
I called down to my sister from the balcony. (Shouting)
Simple Tip: “Down” can mean lowering your voice to scold or calling downward!

11. Call For

Hook: What do you do when a recipe says you need more sugar than you have?
Meaning: To “call for” means to require or demand something, or to go pick someone up.
Explanation: This is used when something needs to happen (like a situation calling for action) or when you’re fetching someone.
Examples:

The cake recipe calls for two eggs. (Requires)
I’ll call for you at 6 p.m. to go to the movie. (Pick up)
Simple Tip: “For” means it’s needed—so something is calling for it!

12. Call Through

Hook: Ever waited forever on the phone just to talk to the right person?
Meaning: To “call through” means to connect a phone call to someone else.
Explanation: This is when someone (like a receptionist) passes your call to the person you really want to talk to. It’s not used a lot, but it’s handy in offices.
Examples:

The secretary called me through to the manager.
Can you call through to the support team for me?
Simple Tip: “Through” means passing along—so the call goes through to someone!

Why Learn Phrasal Verbs with “Call”?

Hook: Want to sound like a natural English speaker without even trying hard?
Phrasal verbs like these are everywhere—in movies, songs, and everyday chats. Learning them helps you understand people better and talk more like a native. Plus, they’re fun once you get the hang of them! Imagine saying, “I’ll call you back,” instead of just “I’ll phone you later”—it’s shorter and cooler.

How to Practice These Phrasal Verbs

Hook: Ready to make these phrases stick in your brain like glue?
Here are some easy ways to practice:

Use Them Daily: Try saying one phrasal verb each day—like “I’ll call off my nap” or “Can you call me back?”
Watch Movies: Listen for “call” phrases in English shows or films.
Write Sentences: Make up your own examples, like we did here.
Talk to Friends: Chat with someone and slip these into your conversation.

The more you use them, the easier they get!

Final Thoughts

Phrasal verbs with “call” might seem confusing at first, but they’re just little puzzles to solve. From “calling off” a plan to “calling out” a mistake, these phrases add flavor to English. Now that you’ve got this list, you’re ready to use them like a pro. Which one’s your favorite? Try it out today—maybe call up a friend and tell them what you learned!

Resources:

Phrasal Verbs with “CALL,” along with their meanings