that we call

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence 'that we call' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this in a sentence to introduce an explanation of what something is known as, for example: "The natural process that we call photosynthesis is essential to the survival of plants."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Because of that, we call them saints.

The Guardian - Opinion

We shoot extra jokes that we call "alts".

The New York Times

Well, in China you can do that; we call that the "authoritarian dividend".

The New Yorker

Stories that we call myths.

The Guardian - Books

It's a D.I.Y. project that we call home.

The New York Times

We have a regular meeting that we call Blue Sky.

The New York Times

There's a location there that we call Heath's Place".

Independent

She begins by suggesting that we call the elderly "olders".

The New Yorker

I recommended that we call her husband, as I think family humiliation would be punishment enough.

The New York Times - Magazine

I mean, the fact that we call it knights is neither here nor there.

The New York Times

My heart is praying for the community that we call home".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that we call" to introduce a specific term or phrase, ensuring clarity and avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

While "that we call" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Consider using synonyms like "known as" or "termed" for variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that we call" functions as a relative clause introducing a term or label. It is commonly used to clarify or define a specific concept or entity, as evidenced by Ludwig AI's grammatical assessment and the example sentences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

43%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that we call" is a versatile phrase functioning as a relative clause to introduce and define specific terms or concepts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. While it appears most frequently in scientific and news contexts, it's suitable for a wide range of writing styles. To avoid repetition, consider using synonyms such as "known as" or "termed". Its primary function is to provide clarity and ensure shared understanding by labeling something with its accepted name.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what we know as

Indicates a common or widely recognized name or term.

which we term

Focuses on the act of naming or labeling something in a specific way.

the way we refer to

Highlights the manner in which something is addressed or mentioned.

the term we apply to

Focuses on the application of a specific word or phrase to describe something.

what we designate as

Emphasizes a formal or official assignment of a name or title.

the name we assign to

Emphasizes the act of giving a particular name or designation.

the label we give to

Emphasizes the act of assigning a descriptive term to something.

the expression we use for

Highlights the specific word or phrase employed to refer to something.

as it's known among us

Suggests a name or term used within a specific group or community.

the nomenclature for

Refers to the system of names or terms used in a particular field or context.

FAQs

How can I use "that we call" in a sentence?

Use "that we call" to introduce a specific term or phrase. For example, "The process "that we call photosynthesis" is essential for plant life."

What are some alternatives to "that we call"?

Alternatives include "known as", "termed", or "designated as". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to use "that we call" or "which we call"?

Both "that we call" and "which we call" are grammatically correct, but "that we call" is generally preferred in restrictive clauses (clauses that are essential to the meaning of the sentence).

What's the difference between "that we call" and "what we call"?

"That we call" introduces a specific term within a defining clause, while "what we call" can refer to something more general. For example, "The phenomenon "that we call global warming" is a serious threat" versus "What we call common sense isn't always so common."