generically known as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "generically known as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when introducing a term or concept that is commonly referred to by a general name rather than a specific one. Example: "The plant is generically known as a succulent, although there are many specific varieties."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

It is not only scientists who are excited by this; the applications of what is generically known as "next-generation sequencing" are broad.

The Economist

CIPRALEX: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (generically known as escitalopram) used to treat severe depression and generalized anxiety disorder.

Vice

Forest Laboratories sells the drug, which is generically known as citalopram, in this country under a license with Lundbeck.

The New York Times

(What, you wanted a plate?) It's a signature Iowa lunch, generically known as "a loose meat sandwich".

The New York Times - Travel

The drug is generically known as paclitaxel and is used primarily to treat ovarian and breast cancers.

The Economist

Epogen, generically known as erythropoietin, or EPO, is a protein produced in the kidney that stimulates the production of red blood cells.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Those packages are now generically most often known as MILC, or mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras, or sometimes CSC, or compact systems cameras, or my favorite, electronic viewfinder with interchangeable lens (EVIL).

The New York Times

The style now generically called "prep," originally known as "Ivy League," was long purveyed by Jewish and immigrant haberdashers (the "J". in the New Haven store J. Press stands for Jacobi) and then taken global by Ralph Lauren, né Lifshitz.

The New York Times

Two speakers presented data showing that Celebrex, known generically as celecoxib, was no better at inhibiting the COX-2 enzyme than diclofenac, also known as Voltaren, and might even be slightly worse.

The New York Times

High-throughput sequencing of reduced representation libraries obtained through digestion with restriction enzymes generically known as restriction site associated DNA sequencing (RAD-seq)—is a common strategy to generate genome-wide genotypic and sequence data from eukaryotes.

Genome Biology and Evolution

The drug, which is sold outside the United States by Novartis as Glivec and known generically as imatinib mesylate, has turned deadly chronic myelogenous leukemia into a manageable chronic disease for many patients.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing a generic term, ensure it clarifies a preceding brand name or technical term for broader understanding. For example: "The brand name drug X is "generically known as" Y."

Common error

Avoid using "generically known as" when a specific, accepted term is already available. This phrase is best suited for scenarios where simplification or broader categorization is needed, not when precise language is possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "generically known as" functions as an appositive phrase or a descriptor. It identifies a term's broader, non-proprietary classification. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently used across different contexts to provide clarity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "generically known as" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that serves to clarify a term's broader, non-proprietary classification. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and frequent use. It is particularly prevalent in news and media, scientific publications, and encyclopedias. While alternatives like "commonly referred to as" exist, "generically known as" is best suited for scenarios where simplification and categorization are needed. Using this phrase correctly can enhance clarity and understanding in various forms of writing. Remember to use this phrase only when a true generic term exists and offers added value in explaining or simplifying a more specific term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

commonly referred to as

Emphasizes common usage in referring to something.

widely recognized as

Highlights broad recognition or acceptance of a term.

generally termed

Focuses on the act of naming or classifying in a general sense.

typically called

Indicates a usual or standard way of naming something.

ordinarily designated as

Emphasizes formal or official naming conventions.

conventionally identified as

Highlights identification based on established conventions.

popularly known as

Focuses on widespread familiarity or use among the public.

customarily known as

Indicates that something is known due to tradition or common practice.

usually designated as

Indicates the designation is typical rather than exceptional.

broadly classified as

Focuses on how something is categorized within a larger system.

FAQs

How do I use "generically known as" in a sentence?

Use "generically known as" to introduce a common or simplified term for something that may have a more specific or technical name. For example: "The drug, sold under the brand name X, is "generically known as" Y."

What can I say instead of "generically known as"?

You can use alternatives like "commonly referred to as", "widely recognized as", or "generally termed" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "generically known as" or "commonly known as"?

Both ""generically known as"" and "commonly known as" are correct, but "generically known as" is more appropriate when referring to a term that is a general category or type, especially in scientific or technical contexts. "Commonly known as" is broader and can apply to any widely known name.

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

"Generically known as" introduces a broader, less specific term, whereas "also known as" introduces an alternative, but equally specific, name. For example, a brand name drug is generically known as its chemical name, but might also be known as a street name.