so-called

USAGE SUMMARY

"so-called" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe something that people refer to by a particular name, often one that is perceived as unflattering or inaccurate. For example, "The so-called 'experts' were unable to provide a definitive answer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

These so-called N.Y.U.

The New York Times

By so-called educators.

The New York Times - Sports

So-called vertical funds.

Cornell University

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

"So-called pundits" eh?

The Guardian - Sport

We calculate these so-called "switching costs".

Research Policy

This leads to so-called size effects.

Journal of Materials Processing Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Ilgauskas, so called.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "so-called" to subtly express skepticism or disagreement with a commonly used term. It allows you to introduce doubt without directly refuting the term.

Common error

Avoid using "so-called" too frequently in your writing. Overuse can make your tone seem consistently negative or cynical. Reserve it for instances where you specifically want to question the validity or appropriateness of a term.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "so-called" is to act as an adjective that modifies a noun. As Ludwig AI pointed out, this adjective expresses skepticism or reservation about the accuracy or appropriateness of the term being used. This is validated by the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

37%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "so-called" is an adjective used to express skepticism or reservation about a term, as validated by Ludwig's analysis of numerous real-world examples. While grammatically correct and widely used, its overuse can dilute its impact. As Ludwig AI pointed out, it is found most commonly in News & Media and Science contexts, suggesting a neutral to slightly formal register. Related phrases include "alleged", "purported", and "supposed", each offering subtle variations in meaning. When using "so-called", be mindful of its potential negative connotation and use it judiciously to convey the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

alleged

Indicates something is claimed but not yet proven, similar to "so-called" in implying doubt.

supposed

Implies doubt about whether something is really what it is claimed to be.

purported

Suggests that something is presented as true but may not be.

so-termed

A less common but direct synonym, emphasizing the act of naming.

ostensible

Refers to the apparent or represented reason or purpose, which may differ from the actual one.

self-styled

Used when someone has given themselves a title or description that may not be accurate or accepted by others.

dubious

Highlights the questionable nature or validity of something.

questionable

Suggests uncertainty or doubt about the truth or accuracy of something.

номинальный

Describes something that is so stated or valued but not actually so.

professed

Indicates a claim or belief that may not be genuinely held.

FAQs

How to use "so-called" in a sentence?

"So-called" is used before a noun or noun phrase to express skepticism or disagreement with the term. For example, "The "so-called experts" couldn't agree on a solution."

What can I say instead of "so-called"?

Alternatives include "alleged", "purported", or "supposed", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "so-called" always negative?

While "so-called" often carries a negative connotation, it can also be used in a neutral way simply to indicate that a term is commonly used, without necessarily expressing doubt. However, be mindful of the potential for misinterpretation.

What's the difference between "so-called" and "so to speak"?

"So-called" expresses skepticism about a term's validity, while "so to speak" indicates that a term is being used in a loose or figurative sense. They serve different purposes in conveying meaning.