I called to Ram

[suniljain]

I called to Ram
I called on Ram.

I understand that the first sentence means that I spoke to Ram over phone and the 2nd sentence means I personally visited to Ram.

Is my understanding correct?

 

[5jj]

No.

The first means that you tried to attract Ram's attention by calling out towards him.

 

[emsr2d2]

If you spoke to Ram by phone (and you initiated the call) you need "I called Ram". No preposition is necessary there. Bear in mind, though, that that can also mean "I shouted Ram's name". Context would be needed to make it clear that you meant "called by phone". If you don't want to worry about context, use "I rang Ram" or "I phoned Ram". They can only mean that you called him on the telephone.

 

[Tarheel]

@suniljain
Say:

I visited Ram. (No "to".)

 

[suniljain]

@suniljain
Say:

I visited Ram. (No "to".)

Doesn't "called on" means "visited" or "to pay visit"?

 

[5jj]

Doesn't "called on" means "visited" or " paid a visit to"?

Yes.

 

[suniljain]

Yes.

I called on Ram.

Then this sentence should be correct. Am I right in my understanding?

 

[5jj]

Yes.

 

[probus]

I don't think Ram even has a phone.

 

[Tdol]

Let's hope he has a home or place to visit him.

 

[Tarheel]

It's a long time since I've been called on (in a classroom setting). The use of "call on" in the sense of "visit; pay a visit" seems to me about as old-fashioned as "courting" (rather than "dating").