it is referred

USAGE SUMMARY

"it is referred" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to something mentioned earlier in the text. For example: "John's birthday party was a huge success. It is referred to by all who attended as the 'best party ever.'".

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Since SOD2 has manganese in its reactive center, it is referred to as MnSOD.

Aging

It is referred to as the Darren Baker Rule.

The New York Times - Sports

It is referred to as Tecumseh's Curse.

The New York Times - Magazine

It is referred to sometimes as the "Dutch reach".

The Guardian - Tech

It is referred to as sexting, and apparently it happens all the time.

The Guardian

In budget records, it is referred to as a "visitors' center".

The New York Times

It is referred to the video ref and it is not over.

The Guardian - Sport

It is referred to as a precursor of today's multicultural China.

The New York Times

It is new growth grafted onto old: It is referred to as a "managed" forest.

The New York Times - Arts

When marriage to an outside group is mandated, it is referred to as exogamy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If net income is negative, it is referred to as a net loss.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Opt for synonyms like "it is called" or "it is known as" for conciseness and clarity, especially in informal writing. See /s/it+is+called and /s/it+is+known+as.

Common error

Avoid using "it is referred" in very simple sentences where a more direct phrasing would be clearer and more impactful. For instance, instead of "The process it is referred to as X is complex", write "The process X is complex".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is referred" functions as a passive construction used to denote the name or description commonly used for something. As Ludwig AI points out, it is used to indicate how something is generally known or designated.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

31%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is referred" is a common and grammatically sound way to indicate the generally accepted name or description of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used across different domains, including science, news media, and encyclopedias. While generally neutral in tone, it can lean towards formality. For more concise alternatives, consider using /s/it+is+called or /s/it+is+known+as. When using "it is referred", ensure that the subject is clear to avoid ambiguity. Overall, "it is referred" is a valuable tool for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's called

Uses a contraction and a more direct verb for naming something.

it is known as

Emphasizes the widespread recognition of a term or concept.

it's designated as

Implies a formal or official naming.

it is termed

Uses a more formal verb synonymous with "referred".

it is labeled

Suggests a specific assignment of a label.

it is denoted by

Indicates a symbolic representation.

it is identified as

Focuses on the act of recognizing and naming.

it goes by the name of

An idiomatic expression indicating a common name.

it is classified as

Highlights categorization within a system.

we call it

Shifts the perspective to a more active voice.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it is referred to" for better clarity?

Consider using alternatives like "it is called", "it is known as", or "it is termed" depending on the context. These options often provide a more direct and concise way to express the same idea. You can explore other similar options such as /s/it+is+termed and /s/it+is+called.

Is "it is referred to as" formal or informal?

"It is referred to as" has a neutral to slightly formal tone. In more casual contexts, consider using phrases like "it's called" or "people call it". Alternatively, in more professional contexts, use /s/it+is+termed or /s/it+is+known+as.

When should I use "it is referred to" instead of "it is called"?

Use "it is referred to" when you want to emphasize that something is being mentioned or alluded to, especially if it has been previously discussed. "It is called" is more direct and suitable when simply introducing a term or name for the first time. Compare with /s/it+is+called.

What is the grammatical structure of "it is referred to"?

"It is referred to" is a passive construction using the verb "refer". It requires a subject (the "it") and often includes "as" to introduce the name or description being assigned. The use of passive voice suggests an external or unspecified agent is doing the referring.