call something

USAGE SUMMARY

"call something" is a valid sentence fragment in written English.
It can be used in many different contexts. For example: "I need to call something a success, so let's proceed with this plan."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

* Call something "bold".

The New York Times

To call something a manifesto is a brave step.

The New York Times

"To call something a 'traumatic event' belies that fact".

The New Yorker

"Usually when people call something an institution they are churning out a meaningless phrase.

The Guardian

I still cannot see how we can call something a crime without a criminal agent.

The Guardian - Opinion

It can force us to wonder what we mean when we call something "music".

The New Yorker

We may scoff at so much gimmickry, but what adults call ­gimmickry kids call something else: awesome.

The New York Times - Books

In the 16th century, to call something Turkish meant that it was a far away exotic thing.

The New Yorker

It's tough to call something a smartphone when it's packed with apps like iWhoopieCushion, Zombie Crisis and Pimple Popper.

The New York Times - Tech

I'd hesitate to call something "free malaria" for fear of creating entirely the wrong impression.

The Guardian

"It's sort of by-definition an insult if you call something bro country.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your vocabulary. While "call something" is widely understood, consider using synonyms like "label", "designate", or "term" to add nuance and avoid repetition in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "call something" in overly broad or vague contexts where the specific meaning could be lost. Ensure your audience understands the intended nuance and implication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "call something" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the act of naming, labeling, or describing an object, concept, or situation. As Ludwig AI clarifies, this phrase is grammatically sound and versatile, appearing in numerous contexts to express the act of characterizing something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "call something" is a versatile verb phrase widely used to describe the act of naming, labeling, or characterizing something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts. Analysis of usage patterns reveals its prevalence in News & Media and Science. When writing, ensure clarity about who is doing the "calling" and consider varying your vocabulary with synonyms like "label" or "designate" to add nuance. Avoid overgeneralization to maintain clarity. Use this guidance to effectively and precisely incorporate "call something" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Name something

Directly indicates the act of giving a name.

Refer to something

Emphasizes the act of mentioning or alluding to something.

Label something

Focuses on assigning a specific name or category to something.

Term something

Suggests using a specific word or expression to describe something.

Identify something as

Emphasizes recognizing and classifying something.

Designate something

Highlights the formal or official act of naming or assigning a role.

Describe something as

Focuses on providing a characterization or account of something.

Characterize something as

Suggests defining the nature or qualities of something.

Deem something

Indicates judging or considering something in a particular way.

Ascribe a quality to something

Highlights assigning a particular attribute or characteristic.

FAQs

How can I use "call something" in a sentence?

You can use "call something" to describe the act of naming or characterizing something. For example, "They "call something a publicity stunt" if it's designed to attract attention".

What is a more formal alternative to "call something"?

More formal alternatives include "designate something", "term something", or "label something", depending on the context.

What does it imply when someone says you can't "call something" a specific term?

It often implies that the thing in question does not meet the criteria or possess the qualities typically associated with that term. For example, "It's tough to "call something a smartphone" when it's packed with useless apps".

When is it appropriate to question whether to "call something" by a certain name?

It's appropriate when the accuracy or implications of the name are in doubt, or when the context requires a more precise or nuanced term. For example, "Is it permissible to "call something purple" for rhythmic purposes when in fact it's pink?".