these are called

USAGE SUMMARY

"these are called" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when introducing a group of people, things, places, or concepts. For example, "These are called the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These are called "tags".

The Economist

These are called carotenoids.

The Economist

These are called crabs.

The New Yorker

These are called cold working.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These are called body waves.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These are called aftershocks.

The New York Times

These are called gastro-pubs.

The New York Times - Food

These are called safe seats.

The New York Times

These are called Revlon duties.

The New York Times

These are called "values".

SEP

These are called targets.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing specialized terminology, follow "these are called" with a brief explanation to ensure clarity for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "these are called" when introducing a single proper noun. It's more appropriate for categories or groups of items. Instead, use "this is called" or directly state the name.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "these are called" functions as an introductory phrase, used to name or identify a group of entities. Ludwig AI indicates that it is a correct and usable phrase, appearing frequently across different types of writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

24%

Wiki

24%

Science

21%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "these are called" serves as a straightforward method for introducing and naming multiple items or concepts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across diverse contexts, from news articles to scientific publications. While generally neutral in register, remember to follow it with clear explanations, particularly when dealing with specialized terminology. Common alternatives include "they're known as" or "they are termed", offering subtle variations in tone and formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they're known as

This alternative uses a contraction and a more conversational tone while retaining the core meaning of identification.

these are referred to as

This phrase emphasizes the act of referencing or mentioning something.

they are termed

This is a more formal and technical way of saying something is called something.

such items are known as

More formal way of introducing elements, using the word "items" for generality.

these are designated as

This alternative implies a more official or formal naming process.

they're identified as

This suggests a formal or scientific identification process.

they go by the name of

This phrase is more descriptive and emphasizes the name itself.

we often refer to these as

This alternative emphasizes common usage and the speaker's perspective.

these fall under the category of

This option shifts the focus to categorization rather than direct naming.

you might know them as

This alternative acknowledges the listener's potential familiarity with the term.

FAQs

How can I use "these are called" in a sentence?

Use "these are called" to introduce a group of items, concepts, or people that share a common name or characteristic. For example, "The small, wingless insects found on roses, "these are called aphids"."

What are some alternatives to using "these are called"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "they're known as", "they are termed", or "these are referred to as".

Is it grammatically correct to use "these are called"?

Yes, "these are called" is grammatically correct when used to introduce multiple items or concepts. However, it's important to ensure that the noun following "called" is plural or collective.

When should I use "this is called" instead of "these are called"?

Use "this is called" when referring to a single item or concept, whereas "these are called" is used for multiple items or a category. For instance, "This tool "is called a wrench"" versus "These are called cardinal virtues: prudence, justice, temperance, and fortitude".