What is the past tense of "call"?

The past simple of "call" is "called". I called my mother yesterday to tell her about my new job.

What is the past participle of "call"?

The past participle of "call" is "called". Use it after have/has/had: "I have called".

What is a common mistake with "call"?

Wrong: "She calls me yesterday.". Correct: "She called me yesterday.". Past action needs past tense "called", not present "calls".

Conjugation of "Call" — All Forms, Examples, and Usage

Q: Is "call" regular or irregular?

"Call" is a regular English verb. Both past simple and past participle are formed by adding -ed.

Q: How do you pronounce "call"?

/kɔːl/ — The "a" is pronounced like the "au" in "caught". The "ll" is just one /l/ sound.

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All 12 Tenses of "Call"

Quick reference table — every tense form of "call" with the first-person example and a link to the grammar guide for that tense.

Tense	Example (I)	Quick rule
Simple Present	`I call`	Used for habits, facts, routines, and permanent situations. Full rule →
Simple Past	`I called`	Used for completed actions at a specific time in the past. Full rule →
Simple Future	`I will call`	Used for predictions, decisions made at the moment, and promises. Full rule →
Present Continuous	`I am calling`	Used for actions happening right now or temporary situations. Full rule →
Past Continuous	`I was calling`	Used for actions in progress at a specific moment in the past. Full rule →
Future Continuous	`I will be calling`	Used for actions that will be in progress at a specific future time. Full rule →
Present Perfect	`I have called`	Used for past actions with present relevance, life experiences, or unfinished situations. Full rule →
Past Perfect	`I had called`	Used for an action that was completed before another past action. Full rule →
Future Perfect	`I will have called`	Used for an action that will be completed before a specific future time. Full rule →
Present Perfect Continuous	`I have been calling`	Used for actions that started in the past and continue now, with focus on duration. Full rule →
Past Perfect Continuous	`I had been calling`	Used for ongoing actions in the past that continued up to another past moment. Full rule →
Future Perfect Continuous	`I will have been calling`	Used for actions that will have been ongoing up until a specific future time. Full rule →

Past Tense of "Call" — Called

The past simple of "call" is "called" — formed by adding "-ed". Use it for actions that were completed at a specific time in the past, such as "yesterday", "last week", or "in 2020". For the full grammar of this tense, see our simple past tense guide.

I called my mother yesterday to tell her about my new job. A1
She called out my name from across the street. A1
The teacher called on a student to answer the question. B1

Past Participle of "Call" — Called

The past participle of "call" is "called" — the same form as the past simple, since "call" is a regular verb. Use it after "have/has/had" for perfect tenses ("I have called") and after "be" for passive voice ("It was called").

I called my mother yesterday to tell her about my new job. A1
She called out my name from across the street. A1
The teacher called on a student to answer the question. B1

Is "Call" Regular or Irregular?

"Call" is a regular English verb. Its past simple and past participle are both formed by adding "-ed" to give "called". The 3rd-person singular present is "calls" and the gerund/present participle is "calling".

Conjugation pattern: regular -ed

How to Pronounce "Call" and Its Forms

Call: /kɔːl/ — Stress pattern: O

The "a" is pronounced like the "au" in "caught". The "ll" is just one /l/ sound.

Common mispronunciation of "call"

Some pronounce it with a short "a" /kæl/, but it should be longer /kɔːl/.

How to Use "Call" — Common Grammar Patterns

Use call to reach someone by phone or to shout to get attention.

S + V + O (person)
S + V + O (phone number)
S + V + out + O

Example Sentences with "Call" in Different Tenses

Simple Past: I called my mother yesterday to tell her about my new job. A1

Common Collocations with "Call"

make a call
call back
call someone by name

When to Use "Call" vs Similar Verbs

Smart synonyms — when to use each one

phone — when using a telephone device
shout — when trying to get someone attention loudly

Common Mistakes with "Call"

Wrong: She call often.
Correct: She calls often.
Add "s" to the verb when the subject is third-person singular (he/she/it).

Origin and Etymology of "Call"

From Old Norse "kalla" meaning to cry out or summon.

Conjugation Tables for "Call"

Negative Forms

Simple present: I do not call · He does not call
Simple past: I did not call · She did not call
Present perfect: I have not called · He has not called

Question Forms

Simple present: Do you call? · Does he call?
Simple past: Did you call?
Present perfect: Have you called?

Passive Voice (where applicable)

Simple present passive: It is called
Simple past passive: It was called
Present perfect passive: It has been called

Frequently Asked Questions About "Call"

Is "call" regular or irregular?: "call" is a regular verb. Add -ed for past simple and past participle: "called".
What is the past tense of "call"?: The simple past of "call" is "called".
When do I use simple present vs present continuous with "call"?: Use simple present for habits, facts, and routines: "I call every day." Use present continuous for actions happening right now: "I am calling right now."