it is called that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is called that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to specify the name or term used for something previously mentioned. Example: "The phenomenon of rapid eye movement during sleep is known as REM; it is called that because of the distinctive eye movements observed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"Do we want leadership, as it is called, that can't face reality and admit mistakes, or do we want leadership that sees the truth and tells the truth to the American people?" Mr. Kerry asked a crowd of more than 10,000.

The New York Times

It is called "That Jeddah Podcast".

BBC

Congress should have the opportunity to approve or reject any agreement on Iraq, regardless of what it is called, that affects our troops or national security.

Huffington Post

The 19th-century antiquarian Rowley Lascelles, however, described the ogee gables as "dismal" and called for them to be cut down into "battlements" (crenellations) to match those on the hall bay window; he went further, saying that "this whole College requires to be gothicised, as it is called; that is, mannered into the pointed style.

Wikipedia

It is called that because it takes place before the season begins.

The New York Times

It is called that because it is a coal-mining town.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Yes, it's called 'That Lucky Touch' and it's set in Bruges.

The Guardian - Sport

Getting there Ryanair (ryanair.com) flies from Stansted to Fly Balaton Airport (don't ask me why it's called that).

The Guardian - Travel

But if the patient did have a "pheo" (as it's called), that could explain why her symptoms became so much worse after her heart attack.

The New York Times - Magazine

Had it been called that, we'd be done.

The New Yorker

No one knew why it was called that.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is called that" when you want to clearly state the name or term used for something, especially when the reason for the name might not be obvious.

Common error

Avoid using "it is called that" when a simpler, more direct naming is appropriate. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound repetitive or overly explanatory.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is called that" functions as an explanatory statement, used to introduce or clarify a term or name. As shown in Ludwig, it commonly provides context or reason behind a specific designation. The phrase serves to explicitly identify something previously mentioned.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is called that" is a common and grammatically correct way to introduce or clarify a term. As validated by Ludwig AI, it's frequently found in news and media, as well as wiki sources, serving to explicitly identify and explain a specific designation. While versatile, it's important to consider the context, as alternatives might be more appropriate for highly formal situations. By providing explanation or context, the phrase helps ensure clarity in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's named that

More concise and slightly less formal.

it is referred to as that

More formal and emphasizes the act of referring.

that's its name

More direct and informal.

that is the term for it

Focuses on the terminology.

that's what it's known as

Emphasizes common knowledge.

it goes by that name

Slightly more figurative, suggesting a less official designation.

it is designated as that

More formal, implying an official designation.

it's tagged as that

Implies a label or tag is assigned.

that's the designation

Directly states the designation.

that is how it is identified

Focuses on the means of identification.

FAQs

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

Use "it is called that" to explain the origin or meaning of a term. For example, "The process of plants converting light into energy is called photosynthesis; "it is called that" because it involves synthesizing compounds using light."

What are some alternatives to "it is called that"?

You can use alternatives like "it is referred to as", "it's named that", or "that is the term for it" depending on the context.

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

It's appropriate when introducing a term or name and you want to explicitly highlight that the term is significant or potentially requires explanation. Otherwise, a more direct statement might suffice.

Is "it is called that" formal or informal?

The phrase is generally neutral, suitable for both formal and informal writing. However, in highly formal contexts, "it is referred to as" might be preferred.