Alik Bairamov
Which is correct: call the police or call to the police? Why?
Mar 2, 2021 6:19 AM
Answers · 4
2
"To call" is a transitive (переходный) verb. "Call to" is possible, but it's a noun with a preposition: https://www.macmillandictionary.com/dictionary/american/call_2 (sense 5)
March 2, 2021
1
Call the police. It’s a command you are directing someone to do something. I don’t know all the specific grammar rules, but it’s the same reason you wouldn’t say “call to your friend”, you just say “call your friend”. Or you would say “go to the work” you just say “go to work”
March 2, 2021
It depends on the intention. "Call the police" means to call emergency services. "Call to the police" would mean to call specifically one policeman. For example: 1. "I have an emergency, call the police!" That means you want emergency services assistance. 2. "I think I know that policeman across the street, call to the police." You're targeting a specific individual. With that said, it's not natural to say that because the noun for police is "policeman" or "policewoman."
March 2, 2021
"To call" is a transitive verb. "Call to" is a noun: https://www.macmillandictionary.com/dictionary/american/call_2 (sense 5)
March 2, 2021
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