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2 posts tagged with "Diplomacy"

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Phrasal Verb - Calling On

· 2 min read
Raymundo CH

Image illustrating the verb Calling On

Image uploaded to Pixabay by Surprising_Media

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Definition​

The phrasal verb 'call on' carries several distinct meanings depending on the context. Primarily, it means to visit someone for a short period, often in a formal or professional capacity, or as a courtesy. Secondly, it is used to formally ask or require someone to do something, such as asking a student to answer a question in class, asking a speaker to address a group, or urging a person or entity to take a specific action or fulfil a responsibility. Thirdly, 'call on' can mean to make use of or draw upon a particular resource, skill, or quality, especially in a time of need, such as 'calling on one's courage' or 'calling on a reserve of energy'. This implies utilizing an available asset or capability.

Examples​

No.Example
1The professor decided to call on Sarah to explain her solution to the complex problem.
2During their trip, they plan to call on several old friends living in different cities.
3The chairman will call on the next speaker to present the quarterly financial report.
4In moments of crisis, leaders often need to call on the resilience of their people.
5Could you please call on the customer service department to resolve this issue?
6Many small businesses call on freelance designers for their marketing campaigns.
7The detective had to call on all his investigative experience to crack the difficult case.
8After the storm, the community had to call on its collective strength to rebuild.
9The ambassador will call on the foreign minister to discuss the new trade agreement.
10I'll call on you later this week to see how you're progressing with the project.

Phrasal Verb - Breaking Off

· 2 min read
Raymundo CH

Image illustrating the verb Breaking Off

Image uploaded to Pixabay by Myriams-Fotos

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Definition​

The phrasal verb 'break off' carries multiple distinct meanings, primarily revolving around separation or termination. Firstly, it means to separate a part from a whole, often by force or abruptly, such as when a branch breaks off a tree or a piece of a material detaches. Secondly, and very commonly, it signifies the act of ending a relationship, an agreement, negotiations, or a communication suddenly and often permanently. This can apply to personal relationships (like an engagement), diplomatic ties, business deals, or formal discussions. Thirdly, it can mean to stop speaking, an activity, or a task abruptly, usually without completion or explanation. Lastly, it can be used reflexively to describe something becoming detached or disengaged from a larger object or entity on its own.

Examples​

No.Example
1She decided to break off her engagement after realizing they had irreconcilable differences.
2The two countries threatened to break off diplomatic relations over the escalating border dispute.
3A small chunk of ice broke off the glacier and plunged into the sea.
4He had to break off his phone call when his flight was called for boarding.
5The car company decided to break off negotiations with the union after failing to reach an agreement.
6Please be careful not to break off the delicate ceramic handle from the teapot.
7She started to explain the complex procedure but then suddenly broke off, seemingly lost in thought.
8The old lock broke off the gate when I tried to force it open.
9The government plans to break off funding for the controversial research project next year.
10They had to break off the search for the missing hiker due to the severe approaching storm.