he has been called

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he has been called" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone who has been given a specific name, title, or label by others, often in a context where that designation is significant. Example: "Throughout his career, he has been called a visionary leader by many in the industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Sure, he has been called a hero.

The New York Times

He has been called an activist judge.

The New York Times - Sports

He has been called a maverick.

The New York Times - Sports

ATLANTA — He has been called a spoiler.

The New York Times

He has been called Westchester's Serpico.

The New York Times

He has been called the father of modern video games.

The New Yorker

He has been called the man baseball loves to hate.

The New York Times - Sports

He has been called the godfather of South Korean rock.

The New York Times - Arts

He has been called an isolationist by some political pundits.

Independent

He has been called America's first scientific historian.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He has been called the Father of the Selous.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "he has been called", ensure the context clearly indicates who is doing the calling or referring. This adds clarity and credibility to the statement.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on the passive voice structure of "he has been called". Vary your sentence structure by using active voice constructions like "people call him..." to create more engaging and direct prose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he has been called" functions as a passive construction used to indicate that someone has been given a particular name, title, or label. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is a grammatically sound construction. Examples illustrate its use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he has been called" is a grammatically correct and very common passive construction used to attribute a specific descriptor to an individual. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from reputable sources. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, particularly news and media. While effective, writers should be mindful of overusing passive voice and consider more direct alternatives to enhance engagement. Common alternatives include "he is known as" or "people call him". By understanding its function and context, writers can effectively use "he has been called" to convey information about an individual's recognized identity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is known as

This alternative focuses on the current state of being known, replacing the passive voice construction with a more direct statement.

he is referred to as

Similar to the original, but uses "referred to" to soften the impact, implying a more formal or distanced naming.

he is considered to be

Shifts the focus to general opinion or assessment, rather than a specific appellation.

people call him

Emphasizes the action of people naming him something, making it more active and less formal.

he goes by the name of

Indicates a preference or common usage of a particular name or title.

he has earned the title of

Highlights the idea that a title has been gained or deserved through actions or qualities.

he is widely regarded as

Focuses on widespread respect or appreciation.

he is labeled as

Implies a more critical or potentially negative connotation, suggesting a categorization imposed by others.

he is styled as

Suggests a formal or stylized naming convention, often used in artistic or professional contexts.

he bears the moniker of

Uses a more literary term "moniker" to describe the name or nickname.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "he has been called" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "he is referred to as" or "he is considered to be". These options add a level of distance and objectivity.

Is it better to use active or passive voice when using a phrase like "he has been called"?

While "he has been called" is grammatically correct, using the active voice (e.g., "people call him") can make your writing more direct and engaging. The choice depends on the desired emphasis and context.

What are some less formal alternatives to "he has been called"?

In less formal contexts, you might use phrases like "people call him" or "he is known as". These options are more conversational.

What's the difference between "he has been called" and "he is known as"?

"He has been called" implies a past action of naming, while "he is known as" describes the current state of being recognized by that name. The subtle difference depends on whether you want to emphasize the act of naming or the resulting reputation.