to call oneself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to call oneself" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when someone is referring to their own identity or how they identify themselves in a particular context. Example: "He likes to call himself an artist, even though he has never exhibited his work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

I do, partly because it seems ungrateful and impolite not to, and partly because there's nothing else, really, to call oneself while retaining any connection to an original sense of justice.

The Guardian - Books

"I believe that if one can experience diversity, touch a variety of its people, laugh at its craziness, distill wisdom from its tragedies, and attempt to synthesize all this inside oneself without going crazy one will have earned the right to call oneself 'citizen of the United States". McPherson was not someone who sought the limelight.

Harvard University

These sharp-edged and bitterly funny verbal fencing matches between the two men, the modern and eternal versions of each other, are the engine of the novel, as they pursue the questions of what it means to call oneself a Jew, or to be called one by others.

The Guardian - Books

As Stephen King claims, that alone is sufficient to call oneself a professional.

Science Magazine

One respondent discussed the difference between choosing to call oneself something and being labeled by another as something, describing the latter as troubling and disempowering.

Johns Hopkins University

In California and Arizona, there are "professional fiduciaries" and the right to call oneself that requires many hours of education and a licensure exam.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

One might as easily call oneself a Bourbon or a follower of Batko Makhno.

The New Yorker

"It sounds categorical, but I don't think one can call oneself a musician if one has no interest in new music.

The New York Times - Arts

Anyone who can legitimately call oneself a nerd has seen the films, probably more than once, and holds at least some of it dear to the heart.

TechCrunch

When I looked up the definition of dibs, I found it in Urban Dictionary: "It is the most powerful force in the universe"; "to call to oneself". What better force to change the world?

Harvard Business Review

What path am I on?" Carr became obsessed with such moments — the moment when one fever breaks and gives way to a new fever, the moment of self-regard when one calls oneself into question and reverses course.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to call oneself" when you want to emphasize the act of self-identification or the adoption of a particular label. This phrase is useful for exploring identity, professional roles, or group affiliations.

Common error

While generally acceptable, overuse of "to call oneself" can make writing sound repetitive. In formal or academic contexts, consider more nuanced alternatives like "to identify as" or "to present oneself as" to enhance clarity and sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to call oneself" functions as an infinitive phrase that typically introduces a description or identification chosen by an individual. As Ludwig AI suggests, it denotes the act of self-identification or adopting a specific label.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to call oneself" is a versatile phrase used to describe the act of self-identification. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and functions to emphasize a chosen description or label. While generally neutral in register, using alternatives in formal writing can enhance clarity. With a source quality score of 86 and an expert rating of 4.5, this phrase is a reliable option for exploring identity and self-perception. Remember to consider the context and choose alternatives when appropriate to avoid repetition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to identify as

Focuses on the act of self-identification with a particular group or label.

to refer to oneself as

Emphasizes the act of self-reference using a specific term or description.

to consider oneself to be

Highlights the subjective nature of self-perception and belonging.

to describe oneself as

Focuses on the act of providing a self-description using particular terms.

to style oneself as

Suggests a deliberate and perhaps stylized presentation of oneself.

to present oneself as

Focuses on the way someone outwardly portrays their identity.

to profess to be

Implies a formal or public declaration of identity.

to claim to be

Can suggest a degree of skepticism or doubt about the validity of the claim.

to think of oneself as

Emphasizes the internal perspective and self-image.

to see oneself as

Highlights the individual's self-perception and how they view their own identity.

FAQs

What does "to call oneself" mean?

The phrase "to call oneself" means to identify or refer to oneself by a particular name, title, description, or label. It indicates how someone chooses to define or present themselves.

How can I use "to call oneself" in a sentence?

You can use "to call oneself" to describe how someone identifies. For example, "He likes "to refer to oneself as" an artist" or "She chose "to identify as" a feminist."

What are some alternatives to "to call oneself"?

Alternatives include phrases like ""to identify as"", ""to refer to oneself as"", or "to consider oneself to be". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "to call oneself" or "to be called" something?

The difference lies in agency. "To call oneself" implies a conscious choice of self-identification, while "to be called" something indicates an external label or designation applied by others.