call to
B2 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words
To call out to someone, like yelling 'Hey!' to get their attention.
Literal meaning: To direct a call toward someone or something.
Meanings
1 B1 neutral
To shout or speak toward someone in order to get their attention.
"She called to him from across the street, but he didn't hear her."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B2
idiomatic
formal
To appeal to someone's feelings, instincts, or sense of duty.
"The sight of the abandoned puppy called to her nurturing instincts."
"The sea calls to me."
— John Masefield, 'Sea Fever', 1902
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Often used in narrative or literary contexts. Can describe a physical call (shouting) or a figurative appeal (calling to someone's conscience or sense of duty).
Commonly used with
conscience mind duty passerby soldiers crowd
Forms
Base
call to
I/you/we/they
3rd person
calls to
he/she/it
Past simple
called to
yesterday
Past participle
called to
have + pp
-ing form
calling to
continuous
Understand "call to" better
Try:
Real video examples
Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.
Want to master this phrasal verb?
Practice "call to" on Looplines