i called myself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I called myself" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a name or title you have assigned to yourself, often in a context of self-identification or self-reference. Example: "When I started my business, I called myself an entrepreneur, even though I was just getting started."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

"I called myself a classy user.

The New York Times - Health

"I called myself a feminist.

The Guardian - Books

"I called myself road kill," she joked.

The New York Times

I called myself a decent crack addict.

The Guardian

"I called myself Tallulah at the time.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I called myself 'chief smart officer,"' Mr. Lynch said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

(I call myself an inexpert).

The New York Times - Books

"I call myself a liberal.

The Economist

"I call myself négociant".

The New York Times - Food

He said: "I call myself a facilitator".

The New York Times

I call myself the airport entertainment.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I called myself", ensure the context clearly indicates you are referring to a self-given name, title, or identity. This avoids ambiguity, especially if the phrase could be misinterpreted as someone else calling you that.

Common error

Avoid using "I called myself" when you mean that others called you that. Be precise and use phrases like "I was called" or "People called me" instead to avoid miscommunication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I called myself" functions as a declarative statement where the subject (I) is actively assigning a name, title, or description to themselves. This indicates a choice or a self-perception, as shown in Ludwig AI examples like "I called myself a feminist" or "I called myself a decent crack addict."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I called myself" is a common and grammatically sound way to express how one referred to oneself at a particular time, frequently encountered in News & Media. Ludwig AI confirms this, categorizing it as correct and usable in written English. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in the context to avoid misinterpretation, distinguishing it from situations where others are giving you a name. Alternative phrases like "I referred to myself as" or "I identified as" can offer subtle differences in meaning. In essence, "I called myself" serves as a declarative statement of self-identification, adding context to a past perception or adopted role.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I referred to myself as

Replaces "called" with "referred", emphasizing a more formal or deliberate act of self-description.

I termed myself

Similar to "called", but slightly more formal and emphasizes the choice of a specific term.

I self-identified as

A more formal and explicit way of stating one's identity.

I identified as

Focuses on aligning oneself with a particular group, belief, or identity.

I considered myself to be

Implies a personal assessment or judgment of one's qualities or status.

I gave myself the title of

Emphasizes the act of bestowing a title upon oneself.

I styled myself

Suggests a conscious effort to create a persona or image, rather than just a name.

I presented myself as

Highlights how one chooses to be perceived by others.

I went by the name of

Focuses on the name used in a particular context, rather than a self-proclaimed identity.

I labeled myself

Highlights the act of assigning a label, which can sometimes have negative connotations.

FAQs

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

Use "I called myself" when you want to explain what you used to refer to yourself as. For example, "When I started freelancing, "I called myself" a consultant to sound more professional".

What's the difference between "I called myself" and "I was called"?

"I called myself" means you chose that name or title for yourself. "I was called" means other people used that name or title for you.

Which is correct, "I called myself" or "I named myself"?

Both are correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "I called myself" is more common and general, while "I named myself" emphasizes the act of choosing a name.

What can I say instead of "I called myself"?

You can use alternatives like "I referred to myself as", "I identified as", or "I termed myself" depending on the context.