Thread: Call for a taxi or Call a taxi

As far I know, it's correct to say: "Call a taxi" and "Call for a doctor" (the latter meaning in case of emergency, someone dying etc.).

My question is: Is it correct to say "Call for a taxi" (when you just simply make a phone call to get a cab, etc.) or this sounds awkward and 'call a taxi' is the proper way?

Originally Posted by alexsms

As far I know, it's correct to say: "Call a taxi" and "Call for a doctor" (the latter meaning in case of emergency, someone dying etc.).

My question is: Is it correct to say "Call for a taxi" (when you just simply make a phone call to get a cab, etc.) or this sounds awkward and 'call a taxi' is the proper way?

American English speaker here - "Call for a taxi" sounds fine to me. I live in New Jersey and am not aware of any doctors that make house calls so "Call for a doctor" would not be used. "Call a doctor" or "Make a doctor's appointment" sound better to me.

Scott

Now it seems to me 'call for a doctor' might sound a bit old-fashioned (they don't call for doctors literally now).

Scott, how would Americans say it (if someone is dying, or it's an emergency, etc.) - call 911?

Scott hasn't responded back yet so I'll chime in here. Yes, if someone is say having a heart attack you would say "call 911."

Now just to be clear and throw a monkey wrench in this.... Last month a bicyclist was struck by a car right as I was walking out of a building, she had a helmet on and was not hurt too badly and didn't want to go to the hospital or anything. But, I still said to her "I'm going to call for an ambulance. You really should let the EMTs take a look at you."

If I'm at home and some one is ill and we aren't certain if we should go to the emergency room (ER) or wait and see the doctor in the morning I would say "Do you want me to call the doctor?"

Now, back to question about a taxi or cab...in person, say on the street, you "hail" a taxi or cab. Via the phone or Internet, you "call for" a taxi or cab. Or someone is asking you if you need a cab they might say "Can I get you a cab" or "You need a tax sir?"

thanks, rockzmom, for taking your time!

Originally Posted by alexsms

Now it seems to me 'call for a doctor' might sound a bit old-fashioned (they don't call for doctors literally now).

Scott, how would Americans say it (if someone is dying, or it's an emergency, etc.) - call 911?

Call 911 works for me.

Scott