"I called her" vs "I call her"

Question

"I called her" vs "I call her"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'I called her' is in the past tense, indicating that the action of calling already happened. 'I call her' is in the present tense, indicating a habitual or repeated action of calling. The choice between the two depends on whether you are referring to a specific past event or a general present action.

Last Updated: March 21, 2024

Use 'I called her' when you want to talk about a specific instance of calling someone in the past.

Examples:

I called her yesterday to wish her a happy birthday.
He called her last night to apologize.
She called her friend to check on her.

Alternatives:

I phoned her
I rang her
I dialed her
I gave her a call
I reached out to her

Use 'I call her' when you want to talk about a routine or regular action of calling someone in the present.

Examples:

I call her every evening to chat.
He calls her before bedtime to say goodnight.
She calls her parents every Sunday.

Alternatives:

I give her a call
I reach out to her
I contact her
I phone her
I ring her

Answer 1

I called her

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate that the action of calling someone happened in the past.

Answer 2

I call her

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate a habitual or repeated action of calling someone in the present.

"I called her" vs "I call her"

I called her

I call her

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