may be called

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be called" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a situation or a set of circumstances that can be referred to by a given name. For example, "The period of rapid technological advancement in the 21st century may be called the digital age".

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This sort may be called physicalistic materialism.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Fruit purees may be called sauces.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Your bluff may be called.

The Guardian - Opinion

The method may be called microscopic holography.

Harvard University

You may be called on to fight.

The New York Times - Sports

It may be called the bankers' vision.

The Guardian

This process of reflexive construction may be called legitimation.

Social Science & Medicine

The interest protected may be called the restitution interest.

Harvard University

The first one may be called hegemonic/domineering.

Yale University

in "libtmssl.a" may be called directly by the user.

Stanford University

This third mode is what may be called hypothetical necessity.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may be called" to introduce terminology or concepts that might be unfamiliar to the reader. It softens the introduction and acknowledges that other terms might exist.

Common error

While "may be called" is grammatically correct, excessive use of passive voice can make writing sound weak. Consider active alternatives where appropriate to strengthen your prose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be called" functions as a passive verb phrase used to introduce a potential name, title, or designation for something. It softens the introduction of the term, indicating that it is one possible label among others. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

21%

News & Media

29%

Science

21%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

17%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "may be called" serves as a versatile tool for introducing terms or concepts, signaling that a particular label is one possibility among others. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse fields. As evidenced by numerous examples, this phrase is frequently encountered in academic papers, news articles, scientific publications, and encyclopedic entries. While predominantly neutral to formal in tone, it offers a softening effect when presenting potentially unfamiliar terminology. Consider alternatives like "can be termed" or "is also known as" to enrich your writing while being mindful of potential overuse of passive voice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be termed

Emphasizes the possibility of using a specific term to describe something.

could be named

Suggests a potential name or designation, focusing on possibility.

might be designated

Highlights the option to officially designate something with a certain name or label.

is sometimes referred to as

Indicates a common alternative name, suggesting informality or popular usage.

is also known as

Implies an equivalent and widely recognized alternative name.

can also be described as

Offers an alternative way to characterize or define something.

might be labeled

Focuses on the act of labeling something, with an element of possibility.

is often styled

Suggests a particular presentation or branding, often in a creative context.

is otherwise known as

Highlights a less common but still valid alternative name.

is designated

Indicates an official or formal designation of a term.

FAQs

How can I use "may be called" in a sentence?

Use "may be called" to introduce a term or name for something, suggesting it's one possible designation. For example, "This approach "approach may be called for" in complex situations".

What are some alternatives to "may be called"?

You can use alternatives such as "can be termed", "is also known as", or "is sometimes referred to as" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "may be called" versus "is called"?

"May be called" suggests that the term is one possibility among others, or that it's not universally accepted. "Is called" implies a more definitive and widely recognized name.

Is there a difference between "may be called" and "might be called"?

Both phrases convey possibility, but "may be called" is generally more common. "Might be called" can imply a slightly lower probability or a more speculative designation.