it was termed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was termed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a specific name or label that was assigned to something in the past. Example: "The phenomenon was first observed in the 19th century, and it was termed 'spontaneous generation' by scientists of that time."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It was termed Apis ITG peptide because of its first three amino acids, but so far nothing is known about its physiological function.

Plosone

In days of old it was termed 'word blindness'.

The Guardian

American nuclear scientists began highly secretive discussions with their French counterparts that amounted to a game of 20 Questions, though in Washington-speak it was termed "negative guidance".

The New York Times

"Ambition" (or "eye-popping ambition", as it was termed last year in reference to broadcaster Susanna Reid) is a dirty word when it comes to women.

The Guardian - Opinion

Fauvism, at its birth, was distinguished by the insults and customarily greeted the arrival of something vital and unfamiliar; it was termed a monster.

The New Yorker

The contrast between Evans and the complainant – the "imbalance of power" as it was termed by the prosecution – emerged clearly during the trial.

The Guardian - Sport

"Abstract Impressionism" it was termed at the time, though the clunkier phrase "Post-Impressionist Neo-Plasticism" is closer to the truth.

The New York Times - Arts

Over the years it assumed a continuously greater dignity until it was danced with such gravity and sobriety that it was termed the "doctor dance".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

It is termed entanglement.

The Guardian

"It's termed 'death row syndrome'.

The Guardian

It is termed, "morphogenesis".

Biomedical Polymers

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was termed", ensure that the context clearly indicates who did the terming. This adds clarity and authority to your writing.

Common error

While "it was termed" is grammatically correct, overuse can make your writing sound passive and repetitive. Vary your language by using alternatives like "it was called" or "it was referred to as" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was termed" functions as a passive voice construction used to indicate that a specific name, label, or designation was given to something. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

39%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was termed" is a grammatically correct and very common way to indicate that something was given a specific name or label. Ludwig AI analysis shows it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in science, news, and encyclopedic sources. While effective, overuse can make writing sound repetitive; alternatives like "it was called" or "it was referred to as" can add variety. When using "it was termed", ensure the context clarifies who assigned the term to maintain clarity and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was called

This alternative is a more direct and common way of expressing that something was given a name.

it was named

A simple and straightforward substitute, focusing on the act of giving a name.

it was designated

This suggests a more formal or official assignment of a name or title.

it was labeled

Implies attaching a label or identifier, often for categorization.

it was referred to as

This indicates that something was known or spoken about using a particular term.

it was known as

Similar to 'referred to as', but emphasizes established recognition.

it was classified as

Focuses on assigning something to a specific category or group.

it was identified as

Suggests that something was recognized or discovered to be a particular thing.

it was styled

Indicates a specific way of referring to it, often implying a deliberate choice of wording.

it was christened

More formal, with a historic use referring to baptism or ship-naming, implying solemn naming

FAQs

How can I use "it was termed" in a sentence?

Use "it was termed" to introduce a specific name or label that was assigned to something. For instance, "The phenomenon was first observed in the 19th century, and "it was termed" 'spontaneous generation' by scientists of that time."

What can I say instead of "it was termed"?

You can use alternatives like "it was called", "it was designated", or "it was labeled" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "it was termed" or "it is termed"?

Use "it was termed" when referring to a past event or when the term was assigned in the past. Use "it is termed" when referring to a current or ongoing designation.

What is the difference between "it was termed" and "it was described as"?

"It was termed" focuses on the act of giving a name or label, while "it was described as" focuses on providing a description or characterization. The former is about naming, the latter is about explaining.