they are called

USAGE SUMMARY

"they are called" is a correct and usable sentence in written English.
It can be used when introducing a name or label for something, particularly when there is a specific term for it. For example, "They are called solar cells, and they are used to generate electricity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are called editors.

The New York Times

They are called gabions.

The New York Times

"They are called cannibals".

The New York Times - Books

They are called Europeans.

The Economist

They are called advisers.

The New York Times

They are called elections".

The New York Times - Books

They are called immunoengineers.

Cornell University

Guess what they are called?

Independent

THEY are called "pub taxis".

The Economist

They are called The Phalanx.

Independent

They are called, well, trees.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they are called" to introduce specific terms or labels for concepts, items, or groups. This phrase is particularly effective when clarifying terminology for an audience.

Common error

Ensure that the pronoun 'they' has a clear and unambiguous antecedent. Avoid using "they are called" if it's not immediately clear who or what 'they' refers to in the sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are called" serves as an introductory phrase used to specify the name, designation, or label of a group, concept, or item. It clarifies terminology and provides a common understanding, as Ludwig AI indicates.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

23%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they are called" functions as a versatile introductory phrase used to specify the name or label of a group, concept, or item. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for diverse contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific and academic writing. It's worth noting that careful attention should be paid to ensuring the pronoun 'they' has a clear antecedent to maintain clarity. Alternatives such as "they're known as" or "they are referred to as" can provide subtle variations in tone and formality. With a neutral register, "they are called" remains a reliable choice for clear and effective communication. It appears most often in the New York Times, The Economist, The New Yorker, The Guardian and BBC.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they're known as

This alternative uses a contraction and 'known as' instead of 'called', slightly altering the structure.

they are referred to as

This phrase is more formal, using 'referred to as' instead of the simpler 'called'.

they are labeled

Replaces "called" with "labeled", suitable when something is explicitly marked with a name.

they go by the name of

This alternative is less direct, using 'go by the name of' to indicate how something is named.

they are identified as

Substitutes "called" with "identified as", used when specifying recognition.

they're designated as

Using 'designated as' implies a formal or official naming.

they bear the title

Replaces "called" with "bear the title", giving a formal tone.

they have the designation

This alternative focuses on the result of the naming action rather than the action itself.

they are styled

Uses "styled" instead of "called", often used in fashion or design contexts.

people term them

Changes sentence structure by using "term" as a verb attributed to "people".

FAQs

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

Use "they are called" to introduce the name or designation for a group, concept, or item. For example, "The small, rounded hills are called drumlins".

What's an alternative to saying "they are called"?

You can use alternatives like "they're known as", "they are referred to as", or "they are labeled" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "they're called" instead of "they are called"?

Yes, "they're called" is a contraction of "they are called" and is perfectly acceptable in most contexts, especially in informal writing. However, in more formal writing, it's best to use "they are called".

What is the difference between "they are called" and "these are called"?

"They are called" refers to a previously mentioned or understood group or set of items. "These are called" is used to introduce items that are currently being presented or demonstrated. For example, "The plants need sunlight; they are called heliophytes." vs. "These tools, called wrenches, are used to tighten bolts."