so called

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "so called" is correct and is commonly used in written English.
It is used to describe something that is referred to by a particular title, though the title may be inaccurate or inappropriate. For example, you could say, "The so-called 'experts' on the news show had no real knowledge of the topic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Ilgauskas, so called.

The New Yorker

The so called Minio Client.

Journal of Cloud Computing

Chef manages so called nodes.

Journal of Cloud Computing

I so called it!

TechCrunch

This is a so called "extrinsic" strategy.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

These so-called N.Y.U.

The New York Times

By so-called educators.

The New York Times - Sports

With your approach, so-called?

The New Yorker

All those so-called intangibles?

The New York Times - Sports

The so-called burqa ban?

The New Yorker

Why so-called?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "so called" to introduce a term or concept that you want to question or distance yourself from. It implies a degree of skepticism or disagreement with the term's appropriateness.

Common error

Avoid using "so called" excessively in your writing, as it can make your tone sound overly critical or sarcastic. Consider whether the skepticism is truly necessary or if a more neutral term would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "so called" functions as a qualifier, typically placed before a noun or adjective. Ludwig AI indicates that it casts doubt or expresses skepticism about the accuracy or appropriateness of the term being used. The examples in Ludwig demonstrate its use in various contexts to subtly challenge or question the validity of a label.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "so called" is a qualifier used to express skepticism or doubt about the accuracy or appropriateness of a term. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English, noting its function to distance the speaker from the term. While grammatically sound, overuse can lead to a critical tone. Ludwig's examples show it appears in varied sources, including "News & Media" and "Science", although it maintains a neutral, somewhat informal register. Alternatives like "alleged" or "supposedly" can provide a more neutral approach.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

so-termed

Functions nearly identically to "so called", but may sound more formal or technical.

alleged

Emphasizes doubt or uncertainty regarding the truth or validity of something.

purported

Similar to "alleged", it suggests that something is claimed to be the case, but may not be true.

supposedly

Indicates that something is claimed to be true, but there's a question about its accuracy.

pseudo

Indicates something false or fake, resembling something genuine but lacking its qualities.

ostensible

Refers to something presented as true or real, but potentially concealing a different reality.

self-proclaimed

Highlights that a title or attribute has been declared by the subject itself, implying a lack of external validation.

would-be

Describes someone who aspires to be something, but hasn't yet achieved it, often implying doubt.

nominal

Describes something that exists in name only, without real substance or effect.

in name only

Highlights that a title or attribute is technically correct but doesn't reflect reality.

FAQs

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

The phrase "so called" is used before a noun or adjective to express doubt or disagreement about whether the term is appropriate. For example, "The so-called experts on the news were completely wrong".

What does "so called" imply?

Using "so called" suggests that the speaker or writer doesn't fully accept the validity or accuracy of the term being used. It can imply skepticism, irony, or even disapproval.

What's a more neutral alternative to "so called"?

Depending on the context, you could use more neutral alternatives like "referred to as", "known as", or simply use the term without qualification if the skepticism isn't essential.

Is there a difference between "so called" and "so-called"?

While both forms are acceptable, "so-called" is generally preferred in formal writing. The hyphenated version functions as a compound adjective.