are commonly called

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are commonly called" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when introducing a term or name that is widely recognized or used for a particular subject or object. Example: "These creatures, which are commonly called dolphins, are known for their intelligence and playful behavior."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I am referring to what are commonly called "tax expenditures".

The New York Times

Either one of the tickseeds, as they are commonly called, suits the easy-care perennial category.

The New York Times

Mr. Groves-Raines has restored several tower houses, as the structures are commonly called in Scotland.

The New York Times

The skin around your eyes crinkles a bit, producing what are commonly called laugh lines".

The New York Times - Health

Those with comparatively smooth leaf edges are commonly called flowering cabbages.

The New York Times

Our own native sandstones are lovely and most are commonly called Yorkstone.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Trolls, as these online miscreants are commonly called, often abuse other users and can cause chaos.

The Economist

They are commonly called "Jesus Christ" lizards because of this trait.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Straits-born Chinese men are commonly called Baba, whereas the women are called Nyonya.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Kettledrums entered the orchestra in the mid-17th century; orchestral kettledrums are commonly called timpani.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The next decade and a half are commonly called the "foreign period" of Prokofiev's work.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are commonly called" to introduce a widely accepted name or term for something, especially when clarifying potentially confusing terminology. For example: "Although the creatures plaguing his ranch are commonly called gophers, technically they are Richardson's ground squirrels."

Common error

While "are commonly called" is grammatically correct, excessive use of passive voice can make writing seem weak. Consider active alternatives where appropriate to improve clarity and impact. For example, instead of "These points are commonly called landmarks", you could say "People commonly call these points landmarks."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are commonly called" serves as an introductory phrase to define or clarify terminology. As Ludwig AI suggests, it introduces a term widely recognized or used for a subject or object. It's used to specify an alternative name for something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

27%

Science

27%

Encyclopedias

24%

Less common in

Wiki

14%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are commonly called" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that introduces a widely recognized name or term for a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Its primary function is to clarify terminology and avoid ambiguity. As evidenced by Ludwig's examples, this phrase appears in various contexts, including news, encyclopedias and scientific texts, with a more neutral register. When using this phrase, consider whether a more active voice would strengthen your writing. Alternative phrasing, such as "are widely known as" or "are generally termed", might be appropriate depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are widely known as

Focuses on the extent of recognition rather than the act of naming.

are popularly referred to as

Highlights the popularity of the reference.

are typically labeled as

Focuses on the act of labeling as a common practice.

are frequently named

Changes the emphasis to the frequency of naming rather than commonality.

are often addressed as

Uses "addressed" instead of "called", implying a direct form of reference.

are recognized as

Highlights the recognition aspect rather than the naming itself.

are generally termed

Replaces "called" with "termed", suggesting a more formal or technical designation.

are usually denoted as

Replaces "called" with "denoted", implying a symbolic representation.

are conventionally designated

Emphasizes established convention in the naming.

are characteristically identified as

Shifts the focus to identification based on characteristics.

FAQs

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

Use "are commonly called" to introduce a name or term that is widely used or recognized. For example, "Third molars "are commonly called" 'wisdom teeth' and may never erupt into the mouth or form at all."

What's the difference between "are commonly called" and "are commonly known"?

"Are commonly called" emphasizes the act of naming, while "are commonly known" emphasizes the state of being known. The choice depends on whether you want to focus on the action or the result.

What can I say instead of "are commonly called"?

You can use alternatives like "are widely known as", "are generally termed", or "are popularly referred to as" depending on the context.

Is it incorrect to use "are commonly called"?

No, it is grammatically correct and widely used. However, consider if a more active construction would improve clarity and impact. For example, using "people commonly call them..." instead.