he is called

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of sentence "he is called" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this sentence when you want to refer to someone by their name or title. For example: "My brother's name is Tom, but he is called 'Tater' by his friends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He is called The Black Toe.

The New Yorker

He is called "Schropshire" instead of "Shropshire".

The New Yorker

He is called friend, beloved.

The New York Times

He is called Eoin Colfer.

The Guardian - Books

He is called Pascal Parasi.

The Guardian

He is called "the eel".

The New York Times

He is called a publicist.

The New Yorker

He is called the Boy Who Survived.

The Washington Post

He is called the Swan King.

The Guardian - Film

Chen, as he is called, likes to do things.

Yale University

In the play, he is called Luis.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, consider alternatives like "he is known as" for a more professional tone.

Common error

Avoid using "he is called" when you mean "he was asked to do something." The phrase refers to a name or title, not an action requested of him.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is called" functions as a passive construction used to introduce someone's name, title, or nickname. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use across diverse domains, showcasing its versatility and grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

18%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he is called" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to introduce someone's name, title, or nickname. As demonstrated by Ludwig's examples and validated by Ludwig AI, it appears frequently across various domains, with a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using the phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning of introducing a name rather than implying a request or command. Consider alternatives like "he is known as" for more formal contexts or "they call him" for a more active voice. The phrase remains a common and effective way to identify individuals in writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

his name is

This is a direct and simple way to state someone's name.

they call him

This is a straightforward and common way of saying someone is named.

he is known as

This indicates a widespread recognition or identification of the person.

he is identified as

This is a more formal way to indicate someone's name or designation.

he goes by

This alternative suggests an informal or common name used for someone.

he bears the name

This alternative suggests a formal or traditional naming.

people refer to him as

This phrase emphasizes the act of others naming or identifying the person.

his given name is

This specifies the person's official or birth name.

he answers to

This suggests the name the person responds to, even if it's not their official name.

he has the moniker

This phrase implies that someone has some kind of nickname, possibly humorous.

FAQs

How can I use "he is called" in a sentence?

You can use "he is called" to introduce someone's name or a title they are known by. For example, "My neighbor is a talented artist; he is called the 'Painter of Light'". This is different from "he was called", where the latter implies he has been requested/summoned to do something.

What's a more formal alternative to "he is called"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "he is known as" or "he is referred to as". These options provide a more professional feel, especially in academic or business contexts.

Is it correct to use "he is called" for nicknames?

Yes, "he is called" is perfectly acceptable for nicknames. For example, "Although his real name is Robert, he is called 'Bob' by everyone".

What's the difference between "he is called" and "they call him"?

"He is called" is a passive construction, emphasizing the name itself. "They call him" is active, focusing on who is doing the calling. Both are generally interchangeable, but "they call him" might feel more direct.