To formally ask or request someone to do something, or to appeal to something for support.
To officially ask someone to do something, usually in a serious or important situation.
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To formally request or invite someone to do something, especially in a public context.
"The chairperson called upon the delegates to vote on the resolution."
I call upon you not merely to be tolerant, but to care.
— Nelson Mandela, speech at the United Nations, 1993 (paraphrased from documented address; verify exact wording independently)
To draw on or make use of a quality, skill, or resource.
"She had to call upon all her patience during the long negotiations."
(Archaic/literary) To pay a visit to someone.
"He called upon the widow to offer his condolences."
More formal than 'call on'. Frequently found in political speeches, legal language, and formal writing. Can also mean to visit someone (archaic/literary).
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Listen to native speakers using "call upon" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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