Saturday 5 January 2008

What is the difference between call on and call at?

When you call on someone, you pay them a short visit. It is also possible to say Call upon, but this is considered to be rather formal.

The student called on the ailing principals on Wednesday afternoon.

When a teacher Calls on a student in class, she wants him to answer the question.

I don’t understand why she has to call on me all the time.

The expression Call at is normally used in relation to a place. You usually call at some place.

When you call at someplace, you visit the individual at his place – it could be the office, home, etc.

I called at his office on my way to the airport.

The expression Call at can also be used to mean Stop.

According to the brochure, our ship will call at five ports.

To know more, Visit: http://www.english-for-students.com