Referred to as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Referred to as" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when introducing a term or phrase that is commonly used to describe something. Example: "The phenomenon is referred to as 'climate change' in scientific literature."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is often referred to as "mirroring".

The New York Times - Health

That process is referred to as consolidation.

The New Yorker

This deterioration is referred to as dementia.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This phenomenon is referred to as coordination.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Maybin was referred to as a bust.

The New York Times - Sports

This process is referred to as metasomatism.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Lucy is referred to as Australopithecus afarensis.

Independent

They were referred to as "red eggs".

The New Yorker

Employees are even referred to as Squares.

The New York Times

This condition is referred to as heterospory.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Tablets are traditionally referred to as pills.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure clarity by placing the term being defined directly after "Referred to as" to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "Referred to as" excessively in casual conversation; simpler alternatives like "called" or "known as" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "referred to as" functions as a descriptor or identifier, introducing an alternative name, title, or classification for a subject. Ludwig examples show it's used across diverse topics, from medical conditions to scientific phenomena, providing clarity by associating a common term with a specific concept.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

26%

Encyclopedias

17%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "referred to as" is a versatile phrase used to introduce alternative names or labels across various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage, particularly in formal and informational writing. While alternatives like "known as" and "called" exist, "referred to as" offers a specific nuance of formality and precision. Its wide application across news, encyclopedias, and scientific domains underscores its importance in clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Known as

More concise; focuses on general recognition.

Called

Simple and direct; indicates a common name.

Also known as

Indicates an additional or alternative name.

Designated as

Implies a formal or official naming.

Identified as

Highlights recognition or categorization.

Characterized as

Focuses on distinctive qualities or traits.

Termed

Implies a specific terminology or jargon.

Labeled as

Emphasizes assigning a label for classification.

Recognized as

Stresses public acknowledgement or acceptance.

Known by the name of

More verbose but emphasizes the name itself.

FAQs

How can I use "Referred to as" in a sentence?

Use "Referred to as" to introduce a term or name commonly used for something. For instance, "The economic downturn is "referred to as" a recession."

What are some alternatives to "Referred to as"?

You can use alternatives like "known as", "called", or "designated as" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "is referred as" instead of "Referred to as"?

No, "is referred as" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrasing is ""referred to as"".

What's the difference between "Referred to as" and "Also known as"?

"Referred to as" is a general way of introducing a name or term. "Also known as" indicates an additional or alternative name.