a technique called

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a technique called" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when introducing a specific method or approach that has a designated name. Example: "In our research, we employed a technique called machine learning to analyze the data."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a technique called bait hives.

Cornell University

…of wood, a technique called ichiboku-zukuri.

Britannica

Fortunately, a technique called interferometry could help.

Nature

This was a technique called Scout's Pace.

The New York Times

A technique called "sliding windows" addresses both noise and delay.

Columbia University

What you are describing is a technique called "interferometry".

Cornell University

The Event Horizon Telescope relies on a technique called interferometry.

The Guardian

"It's really a technique called image method acting.

The Guardian - Music

To do this, scientists use a technique called mass spectrometry.

The Washington Post

It is a technique called pacing and leading.

The New York Times - Books

Through a technique called "distributed denial of service", or DDoS.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing a technical term, use "a technique called" to clearly signal that you are about to define a specific method or process. This helps the reader understand the context and importance of the term.

Common error

Avoid using "a technique called" when you are not actually naming a specific, well-defined technique. Overusing it for general processes can dilute its impact and confuse readers. Instead, use descriptive language unless you are introducing a formal term.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a technique called" is to act as an introductory phrase that precedes the name of a specific method or process. It signals that the following term is a designated technique, which is supported by Ludwig's analysis and examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

30%

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a technique called" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed introductory phrase. As highlighted by Ludwig, it serves to introduce a specifically named method or process, commonly found in academic, scientific, and news contexts. While versatile, be mindful to use it when introducing a well-defined technique rather than a general process, and it is better to avoid using "a technique that is called" because it is redundant. Alternative phrases, such as "a method known as" or "a process called", offer nuanced ways to present similar information depending on the intended emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a method known as

Replaces 'technique' with 'method', suggesting a more formalized or established approach.

a process called

Substitutes 'technique' with 'process', implying a series of actions leading to a result.

an approach referred to as

Uses 'approach' instead of 'technique', highlighting a way of dealing with a situation.

a system utilizing

Emphasizes the systematic nature of the technique, focusing on its components and their interaction.

a strategy employing

Replaces 'technique' with 'strategy', indicating a plan designed to achieve a long-term or overall aim.

a procedure termed

Substitutes 'technique' with 'procedure', suggesting a specific set of steps followed in a regular order.

a mechanism involving

Highlights the operational aspect of the technique, focusing on how it works.

a device using

Replaces technique with device, to show something that was created or invented for a specific purpose.

a tool known as

Highlights that the process is a tool for something.

an art called

Uses 'art' to refer to the technique, highlighting the creativity that comes into play.

FAQs

How do I use "a technique called" in a sentence?

Use "a technique called" when you want to introduce a specific method, process, or term that has a recognized name. For example, "The researchers employed "a technique called mass spectrometry" to analyze the samples."

What are some alternatives to "a technique called"?

You can use alternatives like "a method known as", "a process called", or "an approach referred to as" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "a technique that is called" instead of "a technique called"?

Yes, saying "a technique that is called" is generally considered redundant. The phrase "a technique called" is already concise and clear.

When should I use "a technique called" versus simply stating the technique's name?

Use "a technique called" when you are first introducing the technique to your audience or when you want to emphasize that you are referring to a specific, recognized method. If the technique is already familiar to your audience, you can simply use its name.