are named

USAGE SUMMARY

"are named" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used in a sentence to indicate that someone or something has been given a specific name. For example: - The three kittens in the litter are named Fluffy, Mittens, and Whiskers. - The company's new products are named after famous landmarks around the world. - The main characters in the book are named after the author's own children. - The flowers in the garden are named according to their species. - The streets in this neighborhood are named after famous scientists.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

All three are named Lawrence.

The New York Times

Real names are named.

The New York Times

NOT many countries are named after commodities.

The Economist

Of these, only three stages are named.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Thirty-five are named "Mammut" (mammoth).

The Economist

Paris streets are named after famous directors.

The New York Times - Arts

The side streets are named after trees.

The New York Times

Miscreants are named and shamed.

The Guardian - Sport

Stadiums are named after corporations.

The New York Times - Arts

Others are named after places.

The Guardian - Opinion

(Only the dead are named).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is doing the naming. For instance, "The streets are named after historical figures" is more precise than "The streets are named."

Common error

Avoid using "are named" without a clear subject performing the naming action, as it can lead to ambiguity. Instead of "Mistakes are named", specify: "Mistakes are named by the system".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are named" functions as a passive verb construction, indicating that a subject has received a name. As shown in Ludwig, this construction is frequently used to describe how entities get their names.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

33%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are named" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction, indicating that a subject has received a specific designation. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is employed across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias, with a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. To ensure clarity, it's vital to specify who or what is doing the naming. While alternatives like "are designated as" or "are referred to as" offer nuanced variations, using "are named" effectively involves providing context to prevent ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

go by the name of

Replaces "are named" with an idiomatic expression indicating a common or recognized name.

are designated as

Focuses on the act of formally designating something with a name or title.

are referred to as

Highlights the act of mentioning or alluding to something by a specific name.

are known as

Emphasizes the familiarity or common knowledge of something's name.

are labeled as

Focuses on the act of attaching a label or identifier to something.

bear the name of

A more formal or literary way of saying something is named.

carry the name of

Similar to "bear the name of", but with a slightly different nuance of possession.

are titled

Specifically refers to the naming of something like a book, movie, or artwork.

have been christened

Suggests a more ceremonial or formal naming process, often used metaphorically.

are styled as

Indicates a particular way of referring to something, often in a specific context.

FAQs

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

The phrase "are named" is used to indicate that something has been given a specific name. For instance, "The characters in the play "are named" after Greek gods" or "The stadiums "are named" after corporate benefactors."

What's a more formal way to say "are named"?

Formal alternatives to "are named" include "are designated as" or "are referred to as", which convey a more official or technical tone.

Which is correct, "are named" or "is named"?

"Are named" is used with plural subjects (e.g., "The streets are named"), while "is named" is used with singular subjects (e.g., "The street is named").

What is the difference between "are named" and "are called"?

While both phrases indicate a name, "are named" often implies a more formal or intentional naming process. "Are called" is generally more informal and can refer to common or colloquial names. For example, "The mountains are named after presidents" suggests a formal naming, whereas "The peaks are called the sisters" may suggest a local nickname.