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I ran into an unfamiliar phrase in a news article

They have also faced increased scrutiny over their power, including "calls for them to do" more to combat misinformation and abuse.

I know "call on sb to do sth" means "to ask someone in a formal way to do something".
Does this have a same meaning?

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A 'call' is a request, or a demand.

The preposition that follows (on, for, to etc) depends on whether you are introducing the details of the request, or the individual or group you are making the request to.

For example:

  • Calls for better healthcare have been directed at the government.
  • Many are calling on the government for better healthcare.
  • There are calls for the government to provide better healthcare.
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  • I realy appreciate your swift answer. I did not notice "call" is noun. Thanks a lot!
    – Learner-Koara
    Commented Mar 3, 2021 at 12:17
  • @Learner-Koara It can be a noun or a verb. For example, 'a phone call' is a noun, but the action of making a phone call is 'to call' or 'calling'.
    – Astralbee
    Commented Mar 3, 2021 at 13:35

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