call to question

Meanings

1. 1phraseidiomformal

   To express doubt about whether something is true, right, or reliable.

   Grammar: Used with an object: call something to question. The object usually comes after 'call'.

   Patterns

   • call something to question
   • call someone's honesty to question
   • be called to question

   Several scientists called the results of the study to question.

   His sudden silence called her loyalty to question.

   The judge's decision was called to question by the losing side.

2. 2phraseidiomformal

   To ask someone to explain or defend their actions or decisions.

   Grammar: Used with a person as object: call someone to question.

   Patterns

   • call someone to question
   • be called to question over something

   The committee called the manager to question over the missing funds.

   Ministers were called to question about the new policy.

Common combinations

call something to question

New evidence called the whole theory to question.

call someone's judgment to question

Her colleagues called her judgment to question after the risky deal.

be called to question

The old law was called to question in court last year.

call someone to question over something

He was called to question over his expenses.

Synonyms and how they differ

doubt

A plain verb meaning you are not sure; 'call to question' is more formal and suggests openly challenging something.

challenge

Stronger and more direct; you actively oppose an idea, while 'call to question' mainly raises doubt.

dispute

Used when people argue that a claim is wrong; it is more confrontational than merely calling something to question.

Opposites

Word family

question verb

To ask someone for information, or to express doubt about something.

questionable adjective

Open to doubt; probably not honest or correct.

questioning noun

The act of asking someone many questions.

Commonly confused: call to question or call into question? call to question or call in question?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “call to question”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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