they call him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'they call him' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in a variety of contexts. For example, you can say "Everyone in the neighborhood knows him; they call him 'the master gardener'."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Arts

Opinion

Books

TV & Radio

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They call him Mucus.

The New York Times

"Kanjo," they call him.

The New York Times

They call him.

The New York Times

"Napolaoun," they call him.

The Washington Post

Little beast, they call him.

The New York Times - Sports

THEY call him the "gravedigger".

The Economist

Pretty boy, they call him.

The New York Times - Sports

"Baby Billy" they call him.

The New York Times - Arts

They call him Hijo — Son.

The New York Times

They call him the Beast.

The New Yorker

"They call him the Hustleman".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they call him" to introduce a common name, nickname, or title someone is known by. This phrase is effective for establishing familiarity and connection with the subject.

Common error

Avoid using "they call him" when referring to someone by their official or professional title for the first time. It is more appropriate for nicknames, familiar terms, or descriptions already known to the audience. Use the full formal title on the first mention and transition to "they call him" when you want to indicate familiarity or a common reference.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they call him" functions as an identifying expression, used to introduce a name, nickname, or descriptive label that others use for a particular person. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, showcasing numerous examples from varied sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Sports

15%

Arts

5%

Less common in

Opinion

3%

Books

3%

TV & Radio

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they call him" serves to introduce a commonly known name, nickname, or title associated with an individual. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely employed across numerous sources, particularly in news and media contexts. While the register is generally neutral, its formality can vary based on the context. To avoid misuse, remember that it's most effective for familiar or descriptive terms and less suitable for initially introducing formal titles. Consider alternatives like "he is referred to as" for more formal academic or professional settings. By understanding its function and register, you can effectively use "they call him" to enhance your writing and establish a connection with your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he's known as

More conversational, highlighting general public knowledge.

he is referred to as

Formal tone and passive voice, emphasizes how others address him.

people refer to him as

Explicitly mentions the act of referring by people.

he goes by the name of

Emphasizes the name or title used in a specific context.

he is addressed as

Highlights a more formal or respectful way of calling someone.

his nickname is

Focuses specifically on a nickname rather than a formal name.

he has been named

Suggests a formal naming or designation process.

they identify him as

Focuses on how a group recognizes or labels him.

his moniker is

A more stylish or literary way to refer to his nickname.

he's tagged as

Modern, informal, often used in online contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "they call him" in a sentence?

Use "they call him" to introduce a nickname, a popular name, or a descriptive title that people commonly use for someone. For example, "He's known for his innovative ideas; "they call him" 'The Visionary'".

What's a more formal way to say "they call him"?

For a more formal tone, you might say "he is referred to as" or "he is known as". These alternatives are suitable for professional or academic writing where a neutral tone is preferred. The phrase "he is referred to as" is particularly useful when you want to emphasize the act of referring.

What can I say instead of "they call him" to emphasize a nickname?

To emphasize that you are referring to a nickname, you can use phrases like "his nickname is" or "he's known by the nickname". These alternatives make it clear that the name is not a formal title but rather an informal name used among acquaintances. For instance, "his nickname is 'The Rocket' because of his speed."

Is it appropriate to use "they call him" in academic writing?

While "they call him" is grammatically correct, it may come across as informal in strict academic writing. If you are writing about a well-known figure with a common nickname, it may be acceptable, but ensure it aligns with the overall tone of your paper. Consider alternatives like "he is known as" for a more formal register. The phrase "he is known as" will fit better in those scenarios.