formally known as

USAGE SUMMARY

"formally known as" is correct and usable in written English and can be used to refer to an entity that previously had a different name.
For example, "The company, formally known as XYZ, is now known as ABC."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is formally known as the National Coalition of Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces.

The New York Times

First time in solitary, formally known as "administrative segregation".

The New Yorker

It is formally known as a "Byrd Rule" challenge.

The Washington Post

The bridge is formally known as a "retractile" bridge.

The New York Times

The city, formally known as Santiago de Querétaro, was named for the apostle.

The New York Times - Travel

Beefeater is derived from centuries-old slang for the royal guards, formally known as Yeoman Warders.

The New York Times

First American has been refining its figures on underwater mortgages, formally known as negative equity.

The New York Times

People have been playing the instrument, formally known as the violoncello, since the mid-16th century.

The New York Times

Lejaren Hiller collaborated with Cage on the composition "Harpsichord" (formally known as HPSCHD).

The New Yorker

The company, formally known as At Home, said Mr. McEachen was leaving to pursue other opportunities.

The New York Times

The legislation is formally known as the Personal Responsibility in Food Consumption Act.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "formally known as" to clarify the official or previous name of something, especially when the common name differs.

Common error

Avoid using "formally known as" when referring to nicknames or casual references; reserve it for official or documented names.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formally known as" functions as an appositive phrase introducer, providing additional information or clarification about a noun or noun phrase by specifying its official or previous designation. It helps in identifying entities that may be known by different names.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Academia

21%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "formally known as" is a versatile phrase used to specify the official or previous name of an entity. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently employed across various contexts, particularly in news and media, as well as academic writing. It's crucial to use this phrase when precision is needed, and avoid it in casual settings where nicknames or informal references suffice. Alternatives like "officially designated as" or "formerly named" can be considered depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey. Remember to differentiate it from "also known as", which implies a different meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

officially designated as

Emphasizes an official naming or classification.

previously identified as

Focuses on a past identification that has changed.

formerly named

Highlights a change in name.

originally called

Indicates the initial name of something.

technically termed

Used for technical or scientific contexts.

by the official name of

Highlights the official nature of the name.

also referred to as

Suggests an alternative way to call something.

more accurately described as

Implies a more precise or correct description.

whose official designation is

Highlights the official designation

properly termed

Emphasizes correctness in terminology.

FAQs

How can I use "formally known as" in a sentence?

Use "formally known as" to introduce the official or previous name of something. For example, "The company, "formally known as" Bell Atlantic, is in talks to settle a strike".

What are some alternatives to "formally known as"?

Alternatives include "officially designated as", "previously identified as", or "formerly named".

Is "formally known as" appropriate for informal contexts?

No, "formally known as" is best suited for formal or neutral contexts. In informal settings, consider using phrases like "also called" or "nicknamed".

What's the difference between "formally known as" and "also known as"?

"Formally known as" indicates an official or previous name, while "also known as" implies an alternative, often less formal, name. For example, Duke My Chart patient portal, "formally known as" Duke HealthView, is different from Duke My Chart patient portal, "also known as" patient portal.