I call that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I call that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express your opinion or judgment about something, often followed by a description or label. Example: "When I see someone helping others selflessly, I call that true kindness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I call that respectful.

The New Yorker

I call that sane.

The New York Times

I call that major star quality.

The New York Times - Sports

I call that close enough".

The New York Times

I call that Pro-Life.

The New Yorker

I call that irresponsible parenting.

The New York Times

I call that slacking, Sam.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"You know what I call that?

The New York Times - Sports

I call that cheeky, not cheesy.

The New York Times - Food

"That's what I call that drink".

The New York Times

"I call that old-school or something like that".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I call that" to introduce a personal interpretation or label for a situation, behavior, or concept. It's most effective when you want to express a concise judgment.

Common error

While "I call that" is perfectly acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal essays or reports. Opt for more precise and academic language like "this could be defined as" or "this can be interpreted as" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I call that" primarily functions as an introductory expression to a subjective evaluation or definition. It's used to label or characterize something based on the speaker's perspective. Ludwig examples illustrate its use across diverse contexts, reinforcing its role in expressing personal judgments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I call that" is a very common and grammatically correct expression used to introduce a personal evaluation or definition. Predominantly found in news and media sources, as illustrated by Ludwig, it serves to convey subjective opinions directly. While appropriate in many contexts, it should be used judiciously in formal writing, where more precise language might be preferred. The Ludwig AI confirms its usability and appropriateness in expressing personal judgments across various scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I consider that to be

Uses "consider" instead of "call", suggesting a thoughtful evaluation.

I view that as

Uses "view" to express a perspective or outlook.

I characterize that as

Uses "characterize" for a more analytical or evaluative tone.

I would define that as

Replaces "call" with "define", implying a more formal or precise characterization.

I interpret that as

Focuses on the interpretation or understanding of something.

That is what I would describe as

Emphasizes the act of describing something based on personal perception.

In my opinion, that is

Adds "in my opinion" to explicitly state that it's a personal viewpoint.

To me, that seems like

Softens the statement by using "seems like", indicating a less assertive judgment.

My understanding of that is

Highlights the personal understanding and perspective.

That's how I see it

Offers a simple and direct expression of personal viewpoint.

FAQs

How can I use "I call that" in a sentence?

Use "I call that" to express your opinion or definition of something, often followed by an adjective or noun phrase. For example, "When I see someone helping others selflessly, "I call that" true kindness."

What phrases are similar to "I call that"?

You can use alternatives like "I consider that", "in my opinion", or "I would describe that as" depending on the context.

Is it acceptable to use "I call that" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "I call that" is generally more suitable for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider using phrases like "this could be defined as" or "this can be interpreted as" for a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "I call that" and "I consider that"?

"I call that" is often used for a more immediate, subjective reaction or labeling, whereas "I consider that" implies a more thoughtful evaluation or reflection before forming an opinion.