can only be called

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can only be called" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express that something has a specific name or designation that is exclusive or limited to that context. Example: "This phenomenon can only be called a miracle, given the circumstances surrounding it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Quartet" has strokes that can only be called tragic.

The New York Times - Arts

When indulged recklessly, it can only be called contrivance.

The New York Times

"It can only be called rumor or myth".

The New York Times

What happened onstage can only be called ardent adult play.

The New Yorker

Such selfish secrecy can only be called unpatriotic.

The New York Times - Sports

"This is what can only be called wretchedness".

The Guardian

In what can only be called a plea bargain, Galileo confessed to having overstated his case.

Britannica

Installed upright, they form a kind of tunnel whose scale can only be called Egyptian.

The New York Times - Arts

Occasionally, there are comic sketches that can only be called amateurish.

The New Yorker

The movie's power derives from what can only be called under-staging.

The New Yorker

"Honestly, when I look at them, I experience what can only be called reverence.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can only be called" when you want to emphasize that a specific term or description is the most appropriate or only fitting one for a situation or phenomenon. This highlights a unique quality or characteristic that is best captured by that particular label.

Common error

Avoid using "can only be called" in situations where the description is purely subjective or a matter of personal opinion. This phrase works best when there's a clear, justifiable reason why a particular term is most fitting, not just because it's your preferred way to describe something.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can only be called" functions as a modal phrase used to express a strong assertion that a particular term or description is the most appropriate, fitting, or even the only suitable way to characterize something. As Ludwig AI shows, it's frequently found in contexts where the speaker wishes to emphasize the unique nature of what they're describing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Academic

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can only be called" is a modal phrase used to assert that a specific term or description is uniquely fitting. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in news and media sources. While versatile, it's best employed when the chosen term is genuinely the most appropriate, not merely a matter of subjective preference. Alternatives such as "may exclusively be referred to as" or "is fittingly called" can offer subtle variations in tone and emphasis. When used judiciously, "can only be called" effectively communicates a considered judgment about the unique qualities of a subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can solely be termed

Replaces "only be called" with "solely be termed", emphasizing exclusivity in the naming.

is uniquely identified as

Focuses on the unique identification aspect.

may exclusively be referred to as

Uses a more formal tone, highlighting the unique or exclusive nature of the reference.

is fittingly called

Emphasizes the suitability of the term used.

is best described as

Offers a less restrictive description, suggesting it's a fitting but not necessarily the only description.

is accurately described as

Highlights the accuracy of the description, implying correctness.

might aptly be designated

A more formal alternative, emphasizing the suitability of the designation.

is appropriately named

Focuses on the appropriateness of the name, rather than the exclusivity.

is justly labeled

Implies fairness and correctness in the labeling.

can rightfully be considered

Suggests a justification for the term, rather than an exclusive designation.

FAQs

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

The phrase "can only be called" is used to indicate that a particular description or name is the most appropriate, or perhaps the only appropriate one. For instance, "Given the extraordinary circumstances, this outcome "can only be called" a miracle".

What's a more formal way to say "can only be called"?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "may exclusively be referred to as" or "can solely be termed". These options convey a similar sense of exclusivity and precision.

When is it appropriate to use "can only be called"?

Use "can only be called" when you want to emphasize that a specific term is uniquely suitable due to particular characteristics or circumstances. Avoid using it for subjective opinions where many descriptions might apply.

What are some alternatives to "can only be called" that don't sound as strong?

If you want to soften the exclusivity, try phrases like "is best described as" or "is fittingly called". These alternatives suggest that the description is appropriate, but not necessarily the only possibility.