The idiom "call to" means to request, summon, or invite someone or something to do something or go somewhere. It can also mean to attract, appeal, or inspire someone or something to do something or feel a certain way.

In short:

• It encompasses requesting, summoning, inviting, someone to go somewhere.
• It can also refer to inspiring someone or something to take certain actions or experience specific emotions.

What Does "Call To" Mean?

The idiom "call to" has two primary meanings depending on the context and situation.

• To request, summon, or invite someone or something to do something or go somewhere. This meaning is often used when someone wants to get someone's attention, ask for help, make an appointment, arrange a meeting, etc. For example, "He called to a waiter for the bill."
• To attract, appeal, or inspire someone or something to do something or feel a certain way. This meaning is often used when someone feels a strong interest, desire, or passion for something or someone. It can also be used when someone feels a sense of duty, responsibility, or obligation to do something. For example, "He answered the call of duty and joined the army."

Where Does "Call To" Come From?

The idiom "call to" comes from the literal meaning of using one's voice to communicate with someone or something at a distance. The word "call" comes from the Old English word "ceallian," which means "to shout." The word "to" comes from the Old English word "to," which means "toward." Therefore, "call to" originally meant "to shout toward."

10 Examples of "Call To" in Sentences

Here are some examples of how this idiom can be used in different sentences:

• The lifeguard will call to swimmers if there's danger.
• She felt a call to pursue her dreams and quit her job.
• He heard a call to repentance and decided to change his ways.
• They answered the call to arms and fought for their country.
• Fret not. The leader will call to the troops to gather at dawn.
• The sirens will call to the residents during a tornado warning.
• The teacher will call to the students to line up for recess.
• As the sun sets, the lighthouse will call to sailors on the sea.
• You should call to your inner strength in times of adversity.
• During the hike, the guide will call to everyone to stay together.

Examples of "Call To" in Pop Culture

Here are some examples of how this idiom has been used in various forms of pop culture:

• In the song "Do You Hear the People Sing?" from the musical Les Misérables, the revolutionaries sing a "call to" arms to rally the people of Paris to join their uprising.
• In the movie The Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen's speech after the death of Rue is a "call to" action for the districts to rebel against the Capitol.
• In the TV series Law & Order, the lawyers often "call witnesses to" the stand to question them about the facts and circumstances of the case they are handling.

Synonyms: Other/Different Ways to Say "Call To"

Here are some synonyms for both meanings of this idiom:

• Bid
• Hail
• Beckon
• Contact
• Summon
• Lure
• Entice
• Allure
• Seduce
• Persuade

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "Call To"

Here are some frequently asked questions about this phrase:

• What does "call to" mean?

The idiom "call to" means to request, summon, or invite someone or something to do something or go somewhere. It can also mean to attract, appeal, or inspire someone or something to do something or feel a certain way.

• What is the origin of the phrase "call to"?

The idiom "call to" comes from the literal meaning of using one's voice to communicate with someone or something at a distance.

• What part of speech is "call to"?

The idiom "call to" can be used as a verb or a noun. As a verb, it means to request, summon, or invite someone or something. As a noun, it means an attraction, appeal, or inspiration for someone or something.

• How do you use "call to" in a sentence?
  

You can use "call to" in a sentence by following it with an object (a person or thing) and an infinitive (a verb with "to"). For example, "She called to him to come back. He felt a call to write a novel."

• What is the difference between "call to" and "call on"?

The idiom "call to" means to request, summon, or invite someone or something. The idiom "call on" means to visit someone or something briefly. For example, She called on her grandmother on her way home. He called on his friends for help.

• What is the difference between "call to" and "call for"?

The idiom "call to" means to request, summon, or invite someone or something. The idiom "call for" means to require or demand something. For example, "She called for justice after the crime. He called for more time to finish the project."

• What is the difference between "call to" and "call up"?

The idiom "call to" means to request, summon, or invite someone or something. The idiom "call up" means to make a phone call or contact someone by phone. For example, "She called up her sister to chat. He called up his boss to apologize."

• Is "call to" a formal expression?

"Call to" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the situation and tone of the communication.

• Is "call to" commonly used in business or professional settings?

Yes, it's often used in professional contexts when asking colleagues or team members to take specific actions or when responding to a situation.

• Is there a cultural or regional variation in using "call to"?

The use of "call to" is generally consistent across English-speaking regions, but specific idiomatic expressions or connotations may vary slightly.

Final Thoughts About "Call To"

The idiom "call to" is a versatile and common expression in various contexts and situations. It can mean to request, summon, or invite someone or something to do something or go somewhere. It can also mean to attract, appeal, or inspire someone or something to do something or feel a certain way.

Key points to remember:

• It comes from the literal meaning of using one's voice to communicate with someone or something at a distance.
• It can be used in various contexts and situations.
• It has been used and referenced in various forms of popular culture.
• It has synonyms and related expressions that can be used interchangeably.