formally called

USAGE SUMMARY

"formally called" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to refer to something that has been assigned an official or specific name. For example, "The Hong Kong International Airport is formally called Chek Lap Kok Airport."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Doctors have formally called it homicide).

The Guardian

The union, formally called 1199 S.E.I.U.

The New York Times

Such "loopholes and subsidies" are formally called tax expenditures.

The New York Times

The loans were formally called Supplemental Terrorist Activity Relief loans.

The New York Times

The group formally called off the cease-fire in June.

The New York Times

The company was formally called Parametric Sound Corporation, a spiff off from LRAD Corporation.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But in fact, one of the most useful ways is formally called the inspection method.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The government has declared orgies, formally called "crowd licentiousness," to be illegal.

The New York Times

It has not formally called off its rebellion, which involves some 20,000 people.

The Economist

The treatment is formally called cytoreductive surgery followed by hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy, or Hipec.

The New York Times

Geosynchronous satellites now circle in what is formally called the Clarke orbit.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "formally called" to introduce the official or specific name of something, especially when it might be known by other names or abbreviations. This helps ensure clarity and precision in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "formally called" when you mean to indicate a casual or unofficial name. Using "informally called" or "commonly known as" is more appropriate in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formally called" functions as a descriptor or appositive. It introduces the official or specific name of a subject, providing clarity and precision, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

21%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "formally called" is a versatile phrase used to introduce the official designation of a subject across various contexts. As affirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and widely accepted. Its function is to ensure clarity, particularly when multiple names or abbreviations exist, making it essential in formal writing such as news, academia, and business. While "formally called" is prevalent in formal and neutral settings, it's less suited for informal conversations where "also known as" or similar phrases might be more appropriate. Remember to avoid confusing it with "formerly called", which denotes a previous name. Using "formally called" correctly enhances the precision and professionalism of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

officially designated

Indicates a more formal or legal assignment of a name or title.

known as

A more general term for identifying something by a particular name.

properly termed

Highlights the accuracy and correctness of the naming.

specifically named

Emphasizes that a particular name was chosen for a specific reason.

designated as

Focuses on the act of assigning a specific designation to something.

referred to as

A common way to indicate how something is generally referenced.

termed as

A less common way of saying "named as" or "called as".

labeled as

Emphasizes the act of attaching a label, either physically or conceptually.

identified as

Focuses on recognizing and specifying something by a particular name.

denominated as

Often used in technical or financial contexts to specify a unit or value.

FAQs

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

Use "formally called" to introduce the official name of something. For example, "The European Union regulation is "formally called the General Data Protection Regulation"."

What are some alternatives to "formally called"?

You can use phrases like "officially designated", "known as", or "specifically named" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "formerly called" instead of "formally called"?

No, "formerly called" indicates a past name, whereas "formally called" indicates the current official name. Use "formerly called" when referring to a previous name.

What is the difference between "formally called" and "also known as"?

"Formally called" introduces the official or legal name, while "also known as" introduces a common or alternative name. The former implies a higher level of official recognition.