is called

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is called" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce an alternative name for something. For example, "The Amazon rainforest, also known as the 'Lungs of the Planet', is called the world's largest rainforest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is called progress.

The New York Times

It is called reality.

Independent

It is called history.

The New York Times - Sports

That is called seduction.

Independent

This is called implantation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is called lastrhodesian.com.

The New Yorker

It is called "No.

The New York Times - Arts

It is called Ukip.

Independent

It is called sharing.

The New York Times

This is called Nest.

BBC

It is called "Gut".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is called" when introducing a specific term or name for something, ensuring clarity and avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "is called" without a clear and specific referent. For example, instead of saying "This is called important", provide a specific term or concept: "This concept is called 'the butterfly effect'".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "is called" is as a passive verb phrase used to name or identify a subject. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in defining terms and introducing concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

34%

News & Media

32%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is called" serves as a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to introduce names or terms. Its prevalence across various sources like News & Media and Wiki, as indicated by Ludwig, demonstrates its widespread applicability. While similar phrases like "is known as" or "is referred to as" exist, "is called" maintains a neutral tone suitable for both formal and informal contexts. The key is to ensure clear references to avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is referred to as

This alternative uses "referred to" instead of "called", emphasizing the act of referencing something.

is known as

This alternative highlights the familiarity or common knowledge of a name or term.

is termed

This alternative is more formal and often used in technical or academic contexts.

goes by the name of

This alternative is more descriptive and emphasizes the act of using a particular name.

is designated as

This alternative suggests a formal or official assignment of a name or label.

is labeled

Focuses on the act of assigning a label.

is identified as

This alternative emphasizes the act of recognizing or classifying something.

is classified as

Highlights the organization or categorization of something

is styled

Suggests a specific way of naming something

can be defined as

Focuses on the definition or explanation of a term.

FAQs

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

Use "is called" to introduce a name or term for something. For example, "The process of converting data into a specific format "is called encoding"".

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

"Is called" is used to introduce a specific term or name, while "is known as" implies that the name is widely recognized. For example, a common term "is known as" a common knowledge.

What are some alternatives to using "is called" in formal writing?

In formal writing, you can use alternatives like "is termed", "is designated as", or "is referred to as" to maintain a professional tone.

When is it appropriate to use "is called" versus other similar phrases?

Use "is called" when you want to clearly and directly state the name of something. It's appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, while other phrases might imply different levels of familiarity or formality.