The phrasal verb "calling up" is often spelled with a double "l" in "calling" and a single "p" in "up". This can be confusing for English learners who may not know when to double consonants when forming verbs. In IPA phonetic transcription, "calling up" is spelled /ˈkɒlɪŋ/ /ʌp/, with the first syllable pronounced as "kol-ing", and the second syllable pronounced as "uhp". Remember that the "l" sound is only pronounced once, while the "p" sound is pronounced at the end of the word.
Calling up is a phrasal verb that refers to the act of contacting someone by telephone or any other means of communication. It typically involves initiating a conversation or interaction with another person, often with a specific purpose or intention. This term is commonly used to describe the action of making a phone call or reaching out to someone for various reasons.
In a broader sense, calling up can also refer to the act of summoning or requesting the appearance of a person, particularly for military service or related obligations. For instance, during a time of war or crisis, governments may call up citizens to serve in the armed forces or assist in emergency situations. This usage implies the mandatory mobilization of individuals to fulfill their civic duty.
In a figurative sense, calling up can also describe the summoning or evoking of certain thoughts, memories, or emotions. This could involve mentally recalling or accessing specific information or experiences. It often implies the act of retrieving or conjuring up something from one's memory or subconscious.
Overall, calling up denotes the action of initiating communication, contacting someone, mobilizing individuals for service, or evoking thoughts or memories. The context in which it is used determines the exact meaning and purpose associated with the term.
The phrasal verb "calling up" has a modern-day usage that refers to making a telephonic contact with someone. However, we can trace the etymology of the word "calling" which dates back to Old English and Middle English to get a better understanding.
The word "calling" comes from the Old English word "c(e)allung" (pronounced kal-ung), which had a sense of "a shouting aloud" or "a summoning". This Old English term originated from the verb "c(e)allian" (pronounced kal-ian), meaning "to shout" or "to cry out". Its roots can be traced back to the West Germanic language group, ultimately derived from the Proto-Germanic word *kallōną.
This Proto-Germanic word *kallōną is also the root of the Middle English term "calling" (pronounced kah-ling).