Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
more commonly called
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"more commonly called" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to introduce a term or phrase that is more frequently used or known than the one previously mentioned. It can be used to clarify or emphasize a name or label. Example: "The scientific term for this phenomenon is photosynthesis, but it is more commonly called 'the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy.'".
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Encyclopedias
Academia
Science
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
51 human-written examples
A single canyon Renegade Canyon, or as it's more commonly called, Little Petroglyph Canyon may contain more than 1 million images of bighorn sheep, shamans, and abstract geometric symbols.
News & Media
Personal margins – more commonly called values – define who we are.
Academia
This month I started this year's magic bullet: lapatinib, more commonly called Tykerb.
News & Media
The museum includes an old console used in electro-convulsive therapy, more commonly called shock therapy.
News & Media
Donoghue said Kile's condition was known as coronary arteriosclerosis, more commonly called hardening of the arteries.
News & Media
Dyspraxia — more commonly called developmental coordination disorder (DCD) — is indeed a very real condition!
Academia
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
5 human-written examples
Or as it's more commonly called, memoir, currently the great American art form.
News & Media
PGE2 is metabolized to relatively inactive 15-keto-PGs and 15-keto-lipoxins by the enzyme hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase 15-NAD, more commonly called 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH; Figure 1).
Science
These cells have been referred to as peritumour fibroblasts, carcinoma-associated fibroblasts and activated stroma, but are now more commonly called myofibroblasts (MF).
Science
The question of what Congress may do to regulate books is a hypothetical one: the relevant law, the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002, more commonly called McCain-Feingold, applies only to broadcast, satellite or cable transmissions.
News & Media
Al-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, the African American civil rights leader who is more commonly called Malcolm X, reflected Muhammad's insistence on harmony.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "more commonly called" to clarify less familiar or technical terms with more accessible language, enhancing clarity for a broader audience.
Common error
Avoid using "more commonly called" repeatedly in the same text. If a term has already been clarified, use the more common term directly to prevent redundancy.
Source & Trust
87%
Authority and reliability
4.6/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "more commonly called" serves as an appositive modifier, clarifying a preceding term by introducing a more widely used equivalent. It's used to enhance understanding and accessibility, as confirmed by examples found in Ludwig.
Frequent in
News & Media
39%
Encyclopedias
12%
Academia
12%
Less common in
Science
10%
Wiki
2%
Formal & Business
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "more commonly called" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a more familiar or widely recognized term, enhancing clarity and accessibility across various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It appears frequently in news, encyclopedias, and academic writing, making it a valuable tool for clear and effective communication. Be mindful of overuse and consider simpler alternatives when appropriate. The high source quality and expert rating further validate its reliability and usefulness.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
commonly known as
Simple substitution, slightly less wordy.
better known as
Emphasizes familiarity and recognition of a particular name or term.
more popularly known as
Highlights widespread popularity and general public awareness.
generally referred to as
Highlights general usage in professional or academic contexts.
more frequently referred to as
Focuses on the frequency with which a term is used in reference.
more widely known as
Focuses on geographic reach.
usually known as
Indicates that the alternative name is the one typically used.
often called
Shorter and less formal alternative, suitable for casual conversation.
alternatively known as
Highlights the alternative nature of the name.
in common parlance
Highlights everyday language or casual speech.
FAQs
How can I use "more commonly called" in a sentence?
Use "more commonly called" to introduce a more familiar name or term after a less common or technical one. For example, "The scientific name is Felidae, more commonly called "cats".
What's a simpler alternative to "more commonly called"?
You could use phrases like "better known as" or "commonly known as" for a slightly more concise option.
Is it correct to use "more commonly called" in formal writing?
Yes, it is appropriate for formal writing, especially when clarifying terms for a diverse audience. However, ensure that the more common term is indeed widely recognized.
What is the difference between "more commonly called" and "also known as"?
"Also known as" simply indicates an alternative name, while "more commonly called" suggests that one name is used more frequently than the other. Choose based on whether you want to emphasize frequency of use or simply provide an alternative.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
87%
Authority and reliability
4.6/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested