be called

USAGE SUMMARY

"be called" is correct and usable in written English.
In its most basic form it is used to indicate that someone or something has been given a specific name. For example, "The new bridge is to be called after the town's founder."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

needed to be called.

The New Yorker

Should the police be called?

The New York Times

Horses can be called for.

The New York Times

"Brutality must be called brutality".

The New York Times

Today they'd be called Socialists".

The New Yorker

This couldn't be called political.

The Guardian

(They could be called Revivals).

The New Yorker

They should be called arewolves".

The New York Times - Books

What will it be called?

Independent

She cannot be called disillusioned.

The New Yorker

Few could be called original.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be called", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to naming, summoning, or another interpretation of the word 'call'.

Common error

Avoid using "be called" when the active voice would be clearer and more direct. For instance, instead of "The meeting will be called by the manager", write "The manager will call the meeting".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "be called" is to form the passive voice of the verb 'call'. It is used to indicate that someone or something is being named, summoned, or designated by others. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across multiple contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be called" is a versatile construction used primarily to form the passive voice, indicating naming, summoning, or designation. It maintains a neutral register and appears frequently across various contexts, especially in News & Media. Ludwig AI affirms the correctness of this phrase. To ensure clarity, writers should consider whether the active voice might be a more direct alternative. Related phrases include "be named", "be designated", and "be referred to as", each offering slight nuances in meaning. This analysis provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and effectively using "be called" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be named

Emphasizes the act of giving a name.

be designated

Focuses on formal assignment or appointment.

be referred to as

Highlights how something is commonly known.

be known as

Similar to 'be referred to as', but can imply broader recognition.

be summoned

Specifically implies being called to appear or attend.

be styled

More formal way to indicate a title or designation.

be termed

Used in technical or formal contexts for naming something.

go by the name of

Indicates the name someone or something uses.

be labelled

Focuses on the act of attaching a label or name.

be identified as

Emphasizes the act of recognition or classification.

FAQs

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

The phrase "be called" is used to indicate the name of something, such as "The new company will "be called" 'Innovation Solutions'". It can also mean to be summoned, as in "The witness will "be called" to the stand".

What are some alternatives to "be called"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "be named", "be designated", or "be referred to as".

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "be called"?

While "be called" is in the passive voice, consider if the active voice would be clearer. For example, instead of "The event will "be called" a success by the organizers", using the active voice would be "The organizers will call the event a success".

What does "be called" mean in different contexts?

The meaning of "be called" can vary. It can refer to the act of naming something, such as a ship that will be named. It also means being summoned, like a doctor who might "be called" in an emergency.