is commonly called

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'is commonly called' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is widely or generally known by another name. For example, "The katydid is a type of grasshopper, commonly called a long-horned grasshopper."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is commonly called phone sex.

The New York Times

This is commonly called "Boxer Cardiomyopathy".

Cornell University

It is commonly called the household survey.

The New York Times

This integrated process is commonly called CAD/CAM.

Encyclopedia Britannica

smelled bean curd" but which is commonly called "stinky tofu".

The New York Times

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is commonly called heartburn.

Harvard University

One of these forms is commonly called radio.

Cornell University

In England it is commonly called the Regency style.

Britannica

The science of biological classification is commonly called taxonomy (q.v.).

Britannica

The explicit viscosity is commonly called "artificial viscosity".

Journal of Computational Physics

A castrated stallion is commonly called a gelding.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is commonly called" when you want to introduce a more familiar or widely known name for something, especially after first mentioning its formal or technical name. This helps readers understand and connect with the topic more easily.

Common error

While "is commonly called" is acceptable in many contexts, overuse in formal or scientific writing can make your text sound less precise. Consider using more specific terms when appropriate, such as "is designated as" or "is formally known as" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is commonly called" functions as a linking phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it introduces an alternative, often more familiar, name for something already identified, clarifying terminology for the audience, as shown in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

25%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Science

18%

Wiki

11%

Formal & Business

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is commonly called" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to introduce a more familiar name for a term or concept. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and widespread use across various contexts, from academic writing to news articles. It serves to enhance clarity and accessibility for a broad audience. While suitable for many situations, it's essential to consider the level of formality required by the context and select alternative phrases when necessary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is generally known as

Emphasizes widespread recognition of a name.

is widely recognized as

Highlights broad acceptance of a specific identification.

is popularly referred to as

Focuses on common, informal usage.

is frequently termed

Suggests repeated use of a specific term.

is often known by the name

Indicates a frequent but not necessarily universal name.

is designated as

Implies a formal or official naming.

goes by the name of

Suggests a casual or informal reference.

is otherwise known as

Introduces an alternative, less common name.

is labeled as

Highlights categorization or classification.

is identified as

Emphasizes a specific identification.

FAQs

How do I use "is commonly called" in a sentence?

Use "is commonly called" to introduce a more familiar or informal name for something after its formal or technical name has been mentioned. For example, "Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) "is commonly called" heartburn".

What are some alternatives to using "is commonly called"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "is generally known as", "is widely recognized as", or "is popularly referred to as", depending on the context and level of formality.

When is it appropriate to use "is commonly called"?

It's appropriate to use "is commonly called" when you want to bridge the gap between a technical term and a more accessible or familiar name for the same thing. This is helpful for readers who may not be familiar with the technical term.

Is "is commonly called" too informal for academic writing?

While "is commonly called" is generally acceptable, consider the specific context of your academic writing. In some cases, a more formal alternative like "is designated as" or "is formally known as" might be more appropriate.