are called

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are called" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate the name or title given to someone or something. Example: "The creatures that inhabit this forest are called fairies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These are called "tags".

The Economist

They are called editors.

The New York Times

Witnesses are called.

Independent

Those are called leaders.

The New York Times

They are called gabions.

The New York Times

"They are called cannibals".

The New York Times - Books

These are called crabs.

The New Yorker

Cops are called.

The New York Times - Arts

They are called Europeans.

The Economist

These are called carotenoids.

The Economist

They are called advisers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are called", ensure that the context clearly defines what is being named or classified. This improves clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "are called" when the subject being named is not clearly defined or has multiple possible referents. Ensure that the antecedent is clear to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are called" functions primarily as a passive voice construction used to indicate the name, designation, or classification given to a subject. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Wiki

28%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are called" is a versatile and commonly used expression to denote the name or classification of something. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts. The phrase is particularly frequent in news media, encyclopedias, and wiki articles. When using "are called", ensure the subject is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity and maintain clarity in writing. For alternative phrasings, consider options like "are known as" or "are referred to as" to add nuance or formality depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are known as

Indicates a common or recognized name.

are referred to as

Implies a more formal or specific designation.

are termed

Suggests a technical or specialized name.

are designated

Highlights an official or assigned name.

go by the name of

Indicates a less formal, often colloquial naming.

are identified as

Emphasizes the act of recognizing and categorizing.

are labeled

Focuses on the act of attaching a label or name.

are classified as

Highlights the systematic categorization of something.

are styled

Refers to a specific stylistic or artistic naming.

are christened

Often used for naming ceremonies or formal naming events.

FAQs

How can I use "are called" in a sentence?

Use "are called" to introduce the name or classification of something. For example, "The lines on the map "are called isobars"".

What phrases can I use instead of "are called"?

Alternatives include "are known as", "are referred to as", or "are termed" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "is called" instead of "are called"?

Yes, "is called" is correct when referring to a singular subject, while "are called" is used for plural subjects. For example, "This process is called osmosis" versus "These processes are called diffusion and osmosis".

What is the difference between "are called" and "are referred to as"?

"Are called" is a more general term for naming something. "Are referred to as" often implies a more formal or specific designation.