give a call

Meaning

This is an informal way to say 'to telephone someone.' It is widely used in casual and business-casual contexts when you want to initiate a phone conversation or ask someone to contact you.

Examples

• Give me a call when you get home so I know you're safe.

  Give me a call when you get home so I know you're safe.

• I need to give my mom a call to wish her a happy birthday.

  I need to give my mom a call to wish her a happy birthday.

• If you have any questions about the plan, just give us a call.

  If you have any questions about the plan, just give us a call.

• I'll give you a call tomorrow morning to finalize the details.

  I'll give you a call tomorrow morning to finalize the details.

• Why don't you give him a call and see if he's free tonight?

  Why don't you give him a call and see if he's free tonight?

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I will make you a call later.

  ✓ I will give you a call later.

  While 'make a phone call' is correct, we do not say 'make someone a call.' Use 'give someone a call' instead.

• ✗ Give a call to me when you arrive.

  ✓ Give me a call when you arrive.

  The pronoun (me, him, her, them) should come directly after 'give' without the preposition 'to'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Don't forget to ___ when you reach the hotel.

  💡 Ask the person to phone you.

  Show answer

  give me a call

• I'll ___ tomorrow to discuss the project.

  💡 I will telephone you.

  Show answer

  give you a call