are so called

USAGE SUMMARY

"are so called" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is commonly referred to or known by a particular name or title. Example: The city of Venice is often called "the Floating City" due to its unique network of canals. In this sentence, "are so called" is used to indicate that the name "the Floating City" is a common way of referring to Venice.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Established devices to obtain images are so called fundus cameras with digital documentation capabilities.

Zeitschrift für Medizinische Physik

In this case the sub-cells are so called "power matched".

Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells

Of these we may neglect all the potencies that are so called by an equivocation.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"Green" roofs are so called because they are covered with vegetation.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"Jokeshop Jim" and "Jokeshop Terry" are so called because they are both in the jokeshop business.

Independent

Submarine canyons are so called because they resemble canyons made by rivers on land.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

These are so-called operational risks.

The Economist

These are so-called stalking horse bids.

The New York Times

Bedbugs are so-called true bugs.

The New Yorker

These are so-called growth factors.

The New Yorker

These are so-called coupled flows.

Engineering Geology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, ensure that the term you are introducing is indeed a common or established name, and not a novel or idiosyncratic one.

Common error

Avoid using "are so called" excessively in your writing, as it can make your text sound repetitive. Also, be sure it's clear what the phrase refers to; ambiguity can confuse your reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are so called" functions primarily as a descriptive identifier. It introduces a term or concept that is widely recognized or referred to by a particular name. Ludwig AI shows this is used across a variety of fields to clarify nomenclature.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

62%

News & Media

25%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are so called" serves as a useful linguistic tool for introducing and clarifying commonly recognized terms or concepts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently appears in diverse contexts such as science, news, and academia. While highly versatile, remembering to use it judiciously and ensure that the reference is clear is key. Alternatives like "are known as" or "are referred to as" can be used to add variety or adjust formality, depending on your writing's intent and target audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are known as

Replaces "so called" with a more direct synonym, emphasizing common knowledge.

are referred to as

Emphasizes the act of naming or referencing something.

are termed

A more formal way to indicate naming or designation.

go by the name of

Indicates that something is known under a particular name or alias.

are designated as

Highlights the act of officially assigning a name or category.

are styled as

Indicates that something is presented or described in a particular way.

are identified as

Focuses on the recognition and classification of something.

are recognized as

Similar to 'identified as' but emphasizes widespread acknowledgement.

are conventionally known as

Highlights that the naming convention is widespread and generally accepted.

are popularly known as

Indicates widespread familiarity or colloquial usage of a term.

FAQs

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

The phrase "are so called" introduces terms commonly known by a specific name. For example, "Green roofs "are so called" because they are covered with vegetation."

What's a more formal alternative to "are so called"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "are referred to as" or "are termed" depending on the context. These options lend a slightly more academic or professional feel to your writing.

When is it appropriate to use "are so called"?

It's appropriate to use "are so called" when introducing a term or phrase that is commonly known but might be new to your audience, or when you want to emphasize that a term is a common designation.

Is "are so called" interchangeable with "are known as"?

While similar, "are so called" often implies the name is somewhat conventional or perhaps not entirely precise, whereas "are known as" simply indicates a recognized name. The best choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey.