referred to as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "referred to as" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are introducing a new name or title for something. For example, "The Oxford English Dictionary is commonly referred to as the OED."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is often referred to as "mirroring".

The New York Times - Health

That process is referred to as consolidation.

The New Yorker

This deterioration is referred to as dementia.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This phenomenon is referred to as coordination.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Maybin was referred to as a bust.

The New York Times - Sports

This process is referred to as metasomatism.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Lucy is referred to as Australopithecus afarensis.

Independent

They were referred to as "red eggs".

The New Yorker

Employees are even referred to as Squares.

The New York Times

This condition is referred to as heterospory.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Tablets are traditionally referred to as pills.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "referred to as", ensure the subject is clearly defined. Ambiguity can confuse the reader if it's not immediately clear what is being referenced.

Common error

Avoid using "referred to as" when the term is already widely known and understood by your audience. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or even condescending.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "referred to as" functions as a descriptor or identifier, introducing a name, title, or description by which something is known. As Ludwig AI states, it is grammatically correct and widely usable. Examples show it defining terms and indicating common names.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

18%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "referred to as" is a grammatically sound phrase widely used to introduce a specific name, term, or description. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across diverse contexts. It's particularly useful when clarifying unfamiliar terminology. While versatile, its over use in contexts with widely recognized terms can come off as stilted. As shown in the examples of Ludwig, the phrase appears frequently in news, encyclopedias and wiki sources, making it suitable for neutral and formal communication. Remembering to provide context for what is being referenced and to avoid redundancy will ensure clear and effective writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

known as

Emphasizes common knowledge or recognition, a subtle shift from formal reference.

called

A simpler and more direct alternative suitable for informal contexts.

designated as

Suggests a more official or formal assignment of a name or title.

recognized as

Highlights public or authoritative acknowledgement.

termed

A more concise and often technical substitute.

identified as

Focuses on recognition or discovery of something's name or nature.

labeled as

Highlights the act of categorizing or classifying something.

described as

Shifts the focus to a more elaborate or detailed characterization.

styled as

Implies a particular presentation or branding.

classed as

Puts more emphasis on categorization and grouping.

FAQs

How can I use "referred to as" in a sentence?

You can use "referred to as" to introduce an alternative name or a specific term for something. For example, "The state of California is often "known as" the Golden State".

What can I say instead of "referred to as"?

You can use alternatives like "known as", "called", or "designated as" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "is referred to as"?

Yes, "is referred to as" is grammatically correct. It's a passive construction used to indicate how something is commonly named or known.

What's the difference between "referred to as" and "known as"?

"Referred to as" is a more formal way of introducing a name or term, while "known as" implies a more widespread or common understanding.