like to be called

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "like to be called" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a preference for how someone wishes to be addressed or referred to. Example: "I prefer to be called by my first name, but you can also use my last name if you like to be called that."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

People don't like to be called "victims".

The New Yorker

"I'd like to be called Basha.

The New Yorker

We like to be called someone's dear reader.

The New Yorker

What conservative Christians really like to be called is "Christians".

The New Yorker

Mr. Goldman did not like to be called a developer.

The New York Times

Call people what they'd like to be called".

The New York Times

ASTRONAUTS do not like to be called heroes.

The Economist

But they like to be called xinzuoyi, the left wing.

The New York Times

He would like to be called a "bleeding-heart conservative".

The Economist

"Scientists don't like to be called salesmen," he says.

MIT Technology Review

Besides, I don't like to be called William.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing dialogue or character descriptions, use "like to be called" to convey a character's preferences and personality succinctly.

Common error

Avoid using "like to be called" in highly formal contexts where more precise language such as "prefers to be addressed as" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "like to be called" functions as part of an infinitive phrase, often used to express someone's preferred name or title. It is a common way to indicate how an individual wishes to be addressed, as shown by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "like to be called" is a common and grammatically correct way to express someone's preferred name or title. Ludwig indicates that it appears frequently in news and media, as well as in informal contexts like wikis. Although the phrase is generally neutral, it is best to adjust the formality based on the context, using more formal alternatives in professional settings. Understanding and respecting these preferences are important for clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

want to be called

A more direct and informal way of expressing the same preference.

would rather be called

Indicates a stronger preference, implying a rejection of other options.

prefer to go by

Suggests a preference for a specific name or title in everyday use.

prefer to be addressed as

Emphasizes a formal preference in how someone is addressed.

wish to be referred to as

Highlights a specific desire for a particular form of reference.

would like to be known as

Focuses on the desired public perception or identity.

desire to be named

Highlights a desire regarding what designation/title to use.

choose to be identified as

Focuses on the act of self-identification using a specific term.

care to be known as

Suggests a personal connection or investment in being known by a certain name.

like it when people call me

Emphasizes personal feeling about being called a certain name.

FAQs

How can I use "like to be called" in a sentence?

You can use "like to be called" to express someone's preferred form of address, as in "She doesn't "like to be called" 'ma'am'; she prefers her first name."

What's a more formal alternative to "like to be called"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "prefers to be addressed as" or "wishes to be referred to as", depending on the level of formality required.

Is it correct to say "likes to be called" instead of "like to be called"?

While "like to be called" is generally used to express a general preference, "likes to be called" is correct when referring to a third person singular subject. For example, "He "likes to be called" 'Buddy' by his friends."

What's the difference between "like to be called" and "want to be called"?

"Want to be called" implies a stronger desire or a more active seeking of a specific name, whereas ""like to be called"" suggests a general preference.