the then called

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the then called" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to something that has since been renamed. For example, "He attended the school that was the then called North High School before it changed its name to Davis High School."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Adding to the disenchantment was that I worked in a French speaking laboratory, which in the wake of the imminent separation of the university in a Flemish and French speaking section, gradually became an untenable situation for Flemish-speaking students of the then called Université Catholique de Louvain (UCL).

Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The family then called the police.

The New York Times

The acquaintance then called the police.

The New York Times

The woman then called the police.

BBC

The clerks of the two houses then called the rolls.

Wikipedia

The principal then called Antoinette.

The New York Times

The officer then called TMZ.

The New Yorker

The observers then called off their mission.

The New York Times

The developer then called his son.

The New York Times

The parliament then called a referendum on Crimea's autonomy.

The Economist

In 1994, Mr. Glaser founded the company, then called Progressive Networks.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the then called" to clearly indicate a name change or a past designation, especially when historical context is important.

Common error

Avoid using "the then called" when the object or entity has always been known by its current name. This phrase is specifically for indicating a change in nomenclature.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the then called" functions as a modifier, specifically an adjectival phrase, to provide additional information about a noun. It indicates a past name or designation, enriching the noun's description by specifying its historical context. As confirmed by Ludwig, this usage is correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the then called" serves as an adjectival phrase to specify a past name or designation, offering historical context to a noun. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and it appears most frequently in news and media, science, and wiki sources. While variations like "formerly known as" exist, "the then called" uniquely emphasizes a specific point in time. Remember, it's best used when a name change has occurred, and understanding its temporal nuance is key to its effective use. While common, it is not nearly as frequent as its closest alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

formerly known as

Emphasizes the previous name or identity of something.

previously called

Similar to 'formerly known as', but with a slightly different emphasis on the past.

at that time called

Highlights the specific time when something was known by a particular name.

then known as

Focuses on the name that was used during a certain period.

subsequently renamed

Indicates that a name change occurred after a certain point.

later designated as

Implies a formal designation or renaming at a later time.

earlier referred to as

Highlights a previous reference or term used for something.

the old name was

Directly states the former name of something.

what was once called

Emphasizes that the name is no longer in use.

at the time referred to as

Similar to 'at that time called', stressing reference instead of name.

FAQs

How do I use "the then called" in a sentence?

Use "the then called" to specify a previous name of something that has since been renamed. For example, "He studied at the university, the "the then called" State College, before it became a university."

What's the difference between "the then called" and "formerly known as"?

"The then called" emphasizes a specific point in time when something had a certain name, while "formerly known as" focuses more generally on a previous name without specific temporal context.

Can I use "the then called" for people?

Yes, "the then called" can be used for people, organizations, places or things that have undergone a name change. Example: "The senator, "the then called" Ms. Johnson, later became the governor."

What are some alternatives to "the then called"?

Alternatives include "previously called", "formerly known as", or "at that time called", depending on the nuance you want to convey.