Meaning
To use a telephone to communicate with someone.
Cultural Background
In the US, it is common to say 'make a call' even if you are using a mobile phone, despite the lack of a physical 'phone' in the traditional sense. In the UK, 'give someone a ring' is very common, but 'make a phone call' remains the standard for formal or neutral situations. In global business, 'making a call' is a standard phrase used in emails and meetings to indicate a planned action.
Keep it simple
If you are with friends, just say 'I'm calling X'.
Don't say 'do'
Never say 'do a call'. It sounds very unnatural to native speakers.
Meaning
To use a telephone to communicate with someone.
Keep it simple
If you are with friends, just say 'I'm calling X'.
Don't say 'do'
Never say 'do a call'. It sounds very unnatural to native speakers.
Privacy first
Always excuse yourself if you need to make a call in a quiet place.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct verb.
I need to _____ a phone call to my sister.
The correct collocation is 'make a phone call'.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the best option.
We use 'make' for initiating a call.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Why are you leaving? B: I have to _____.
This is the standard way to excuse oneself.
Match the situation to the phrase.
You are at work and need to call a client.
Professional and correct.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesI need to _____ a phone call to my sister.
The correct collocation is 'make a phone call'.
Choose the best option.
We use 'make' for initiating a call.
A: Why are you leaving? B: I have to _____.
This is the standard way to excuse oneself.
You are at work and need to call a client.
Professional and correct.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
7 questionsYes, 'make a call' is perfectly fine and very common.
It is neutral. It works in almost any situation.
It's a historical collocation from the era of telephone operators.
No, it is always incorrect.
They are mostly interchangeable, but 'phone call' is more specific.
Yes, in most Western cultures, it is considered impolite.
You can say 'I will place a call to you at 2 PM'.
Related Phrases
Take a call
contrastTo answer a call.
Give a ring
similarTo call someone.
Place a call
similarTo make a call.
