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call in

B1 neutral separable both
In simple words

Phone a place (like your work or a radio show) to say something, or ask for someone to come and help.

Meanings

1 A2 neutral

To telephone your workplace or an organisation, typically to report your absence or communicate information.

"She called in sick on Monday after spending the whole weekend in bed with flu."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 neutral

To summon a professional, expert, or outside help to deal with a problem.

"After three days without progress, the company called in a specialist consultant."

Grammar: separable
3 B2 idiomatic neutral

To demand the repayment of a loan or the fulfilment of a favour or obligation.

"The bank called in the loan after the company missed three consecutive payments."

Grammar: separable
4 B1 neutral

To stop briefly at a place while passing; to visit for a short time. (Mainly British English.)

"I'll call in at the pharmacy on my way home and pick up your prescription."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Has several distinct senses. Calling in sick is extremely common. Calling in a professional means summoning expert help. Calling in a favour means asking someone to fulfil a debt. All senses are common in everyday English.

Commonly used with

sick favour expert loan reinforcements tip

Forms

Base
call in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
calls in
he/she/it
Past simple
called in
yesterday
Past participle
called in
have + pp
-ing form
calling in
continuous

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Synonyms

phone in ring in summon notify report in recruit

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