can be called

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be called" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that has the potential to be given a particular title or designation. For example, "This type of bird can be called a blue jay."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Horses can be called for.

The New York Times

Nothing here can be called indefensible.

The Economist

Actor methods can be called via actor.method.remote.remote

University of California, Berkeley

This can be called the morphological paradigm.

University of California, Berkeley

If they can be called that.

The Guardian - Books

"You can be called at any time.

The Washington Post

This new kind of coagulant can be called PEX.

Chemical Engineering Science

These SNPs can be called regulatory SNPs (rSNPs).

Computational Biology and Chemistry

A "professional" can be called in to teach the dance.

Yale University

That's why the designations can be called Absolute Identifiers.

Princeton University

This model can be called the Complete Model.

Developments in Integrated Environmental Assessment

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be called" to introduce a possible name, category, or designation for something when you want to present it as one of several options or possibilities.

Common error

Avoid overuse. Excessive use of passive constructions like "can be called" can make your writing sound weak or indirect. Consider using active voice where appropriate to improve clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be called" functions as a modal passive construction. It indicates a possibility or potential for something to be named or designated in a certain way. As Ludwig suggests, it expresses that a subject has the capacity or potential to receive a particular name or label.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

30%

Academia

24%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be called" is a versatile modal passive construction used to introduce potential names or descriptions. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears across diverse sources, including news, science, and academic publications. Its neutral register makes it suitable for varied writing styles. When using it, consider whether you intend to convey a potential or established designation and choose accordingly. This way, you can avoid overusing passive voice in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be termed

Uses a more formal verb ("termed") and auxiliary verb ("may") suggesting a slightly different nuance of possibility or formality.

could be designated

Substitutes "can" with "could" and "called" with "designated", implying a potential but not definite naming.

might be named

Employs "might" instead of "can", indicating a lower probability or a more tentative suggestion.

is referred to as

Replaces the modal verb construction with a passive voice structure, focusing on the act of referring.

is labeled as

Suggests a more formal or technical naming, often used in specific fields.

is identified as

Focuses on the recognition or identification of something by a particular name.

is known as

Indicates a common or established name for something, rather than a potential one.

is classified as

Implies a systematic categorization rather than a simple naming.

is defined as

Highlights the formal definition or explanation of a term.

is considered to be

Shifts the focus to a general opinion or consideration about what something might be named.

FAQs

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

You can use "can be called" to suggest a possible name or description for something, like: "This new kind of coagulant "can be called PEX"".

What are some alternatives to "can be called"?

Alternatives include phrases like "is known as", "may be termed", or "is referred to as", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "can be called" instead of "is called"?

"Can be called" suggests a potential or possible name, while "is called" indicates a definite or established name. Use "can be called" when the designation is not universally accepted or is just one possibility.

Is "can be called" formal or informal?

"Can be called" is generally neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The specific context and surrounding language will determine the overall formality.