properly so called

USAGE SUMMARY

'properly so called' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that a specific term (name, title, label, etc.) is being used in its accurate and accepted form. For example, "He served as the Prime Minister, properly so called, for five years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

(Machine guns, properly so called, are tightly regulated).

The New Yorker

(This is why there are, in almost every American business, no "office politics" properly so called; there are merely court intrigues).

The New Yorker

The names survive of nearly 30 Sophists properly so called, of whom the most important were Protagoras, Gorgias, Antiphon, Prodicus, and Thrasymachus.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is because we have in mind some one of these quantities, properly so called, that we apply quantitative terms to other things.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Some insight into what the Shakers were doing and thinking comes from the rare occasions when they were making art objects properly so called — visionary drawings.

The New Yorker

But because philosophers — properly so called — have no interest other than the truth, they alone can bring to bear the canon of reason that will transform the conflict of opinion that otherwise dominates the political world.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Smart urban planning approaches can, if properly implemented, reduce the so called "paradox of the compact city" and lead to cool and compact urban areas.

Sustainable Cities and Society

This is why many are potentially vulnerable to claims they have not consulted properly, or carried out so called "equality impact assessments".

BBC

Many Latinos don't see themselves or their voice properly represented in the so called "mainstream media," but those making an effort to connect and stand out within it are being noticed and hitting el corazón unexpectedly.

Huffington Post

Because the experience of the dynamical sublime so centrally involves an intimation of our own capacity to be moral, Kant actually insists that "the sublime in nature is only improperly so called, and should properly be ascribed only to the manner of thinking, or rather its foundation in human nature" (CPJ, §30, 5 280).

SEP

Not only his underlying utilitarianism but also the distinction, which he never forswears, between "rights properly so-called" and "political" rights, makes it problematic to read him as what we would call a 'libertarian'.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "properly so called" to clarify that you are using a term in its most accurate or technical sense, especially when the term is often misused or misunderstood.

Common error

Avoid using "properly so called" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or pretentious in settings that don't require strict precision.

Linguistic Context

Properly so called functions as a post-positive qualifier, modifying a noun phrase to indicate that the term is being used in its most accurate or precise sense. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use across various disciplines to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

27%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "properly so called" is a phrase used to emphasize that a term is being employed in its most accurate and precise sense. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across diverse contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. While its formality makes it unsuitable for casual settings, it's invaluable in formal writing where clarity is key. Alternatives like "accurately termed" or "strictly speaking" can be used for variety. Remember, the goal is to ensure your reader understands the intended meaning without ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

accurately termed

Emphasizes the precision of the term being used.

correctly designated

Highlights the appropriateness of the designation.

rightly named

Focuses on the justification for a particular name.

strictly speaking

Introduces a more precise or technical definition.

in the true sense of the word

Underscores the authentic or genuine meaning.

by definition

Indicates something is true based on its inherent characteristics.

in its accurate form

Highlights how a specific term should be utilized.

precisely defined

Stresses exactness and clarity of a definition.

as it should be

Highlights the correct application of terminology.

in the proper sense

Highlights the correct context.

FAQs

How can I use "properly so called" in a sentence?

Use "properly so called" after a term to emphasize that you are using the term in its accurate or technical sense. For example, "A weapon of mass destruction, properly so called, is one that can kill a hundred thousand or a million people in a single strike."

What are some alternatives to "properly so called"?

You can use alternatives like "accurately termed", "correctly designated", or "strictly speaking" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "properly so called"?

While it might seem redundant, "properly so called" emphasizes that a term is being used in its most precise or accurate meaning. This can be useful when the term is often used loosely or incorrectly.

When is it appropriate to use "properly so called" in writing?

It is appropriate in formal writing, academic papers, or technical documents where precision and clarity are essential. It helps to avoid ambiguity and ensures that the reader understands the intended meaning of a term.