Say it like this
- I want to call it out that the test coverage is below 80%.
- Can someone call it out if they see a blocker?
- We should call it out when requirements change mid-sprint.
Use it at work
Raising a risk
- I want to call out a risk: the vendor hasn't confirmed the date.
- Calling this out early: we might miss Friday.
Giving praise
- I want to call out Ana for fixing the outage so fast.
- Big call-out to the design team for the new flows.
In a code review
- Just calling it out, this query will be slow at scale.
- Thanks for calling that out. I'll fix it.
Don't say this
Use 'that' when adding context or explanation; 'about' is less natural in tech English.
Practice
Try it
4 quick exercises
1. Your team found a performance issue before launch. How do you say it?
2. In the code review, Sarah decided to _______ the deprecated function that was still in use.
3. Which sentence uses 'call it out' correctly?
4. Rewrite this in natural tech English using 'call it out': 'We need to mention that the API latency is higher than our SLA requirement.'
Say it out loud
Phrase 1 of 3
"I want to call it out that the test coverage is below 80%."
We don't save your recording. The word check uses your browser's speech recognition.
More about call it out
Real examples(3)
- in a standup
"I need to call it out that the database migration is taking longer than expected."
- in a code review
"I want to call it out this potential null pointer exception before we merge."
- in a team meeting
"Let's call it out that we're missing documentation for the new API endpoint."
More mistakes(2)
Handle with care. Do not confuse with simply speaking up; call it out implies pointing out something problematic, questionable, or noteworthy that needs attention or acknowledgment.
- ✕He called out it during the meeting.✓He called it out during the meeting.
The pronoun 'it' must come before 'out' in this phrasal verb.
- ✕Can you call out it to the team?✓Can you call it out to the team?
Phrasal verbs require the object pronoun between the verb and particle.
Other forms(2)
- call it out verb
"I will call it out if I spot a critical bug."
- call-out noun
"The call-out of the memory leak saved us from a production incident."
Often used with(4)
- call it out early · Emphasizes identifying issues before they escalate.
- call it out publicly · Means raising the issue in front of others rather than privately.
- call it out immediately · Stresses urgency in addressing the concern.
- need to call it out · Indicates something must be addressed or pointed out.
Similar words(4)
- flag · Similar meaning but more formal; 'flag the issue' is also common in tech.
- bring it up · More casual; does not always imply a problem.
- point out · More neutral; can apply to any observation, not just problems.
- raise the issue · More formal and less direct than call it out.
Opposites(3)
- ignore it
- let it slide
- overlook
Questions(5)
- What does call it out mean in software engineering?
- In tech, call it out means to openly identify and point out something—typically a problem, risk, or concern—that needs attention. It is a form of transparent communication where team members speak up about issues rather than ignoring them. For example, calling out a memory leak in code review or a missing test case in standup.
- How do you use call it out in a sentence at work?
- You use it as a verb phrase. Examples: 'I want to call it out that our error handling is incomplete.' 'Can someone call it out if they see a security vulnerability?' 'She called it out during the retrospective.' Always follow the pattern: call + it + out + (what you are addressing).
- Is call it out formal or informal?
- Call it out is neutral in formality—not overly casual but also not stiff or formal. It is perfectly appropriate for professional tech meetings, code reviews, and written Slack messages. While common in spoken English, it also appears in written communication.
- What is the difference between call it out and flag?
- Both mean to point out an issue, but call it out is slightly more direct and colloquial, often used in real-time conversations. Flag is more formal and structured, frequently used in written documentation or formal reporting. 'I am calling it out in the meeting' sounds more immediate; 'Let me flag this concern' sounds more formal.
- Can call it out be used for positive things?
- Typically, call it out is used for problems or concerns, but in some contexts you can use it to highlight achievements or good practices: 'I want to call it out that the team shipped early.' However, it is less common and more forceful than simply praising something. For positive recognition, praise or acknowledge are more natural.
