was frequently called

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was frequently called" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something or someone that was often referred to by a particular name or title in the past. Example: "The old building was frequently called the 'Town Hall' by the locals, even though it served multiple purposes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

During his lifetime John McGahern was frequently called Ireland's Chekhov.

The Guardian - Books

Once again, he was frequently called a "paedo".

Independent

Interest in the robbery did not fade and he was frequently called upon for media appearances.

The Guardian

Ms. Ansanelli was frequently called on to replace injured principal dancers.

The New York Times - Arts

He was frequently called upon to organize and conduct special musical performances.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As technical vice-president of the British Computer Society, he was frequently called on as an expert witness in software disputes.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

The fact that the hospital was frequently calling him with questions and reports about his wife did not help, either.

The New York Times

This is frequently called year zero.

The Guardian

Now I am frequently called upon".

The New York Times

The effort is frequently called the LUST Recovery Act Program, for short.

The New York Times

His stories win prizes, and are frequently called "promising".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was frequently called" when you want to emphasize that a name or description was commonly used for someone or something in the past. Ensure the context clearly establishes who or what did the calling, even if it's implied.

Common error

Avoid using "was frequently called" without a clear understanding of the passive voice. Ensure it's evident who or what was doing the calling, even if the agent is not explicitly stated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was frequently called" functions as a descriptive element within a sentence, indicating a past state of being known or referred to by a particular name or description. It utilizes a passive voice construction, emphasizing the subject's reception of a specific label. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was frequently called" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to denote a past state of being known by a particular name or description. As affirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is applicable across various writing styles, though primarily found in news and media sources, encyclopedias and general reference materials. While direct and informative, writers should vary sentence structures to maintain engagement. Common synonyms include phrases such as "was often referred to as" or "was commonly known as" to provide stylistic diversity. The phrase's versatility makes it a valuable tool for clearly communicating established knowledge or historical context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was often referred to as

Replaces "frequently called" with a more descriptive phrase emphasizing the act of referring.

was commonly known as

Indicates widespread recognition under a specific name or title.

was generally regarded as

Focuses on the general perception or opinion about someone or something.

was repeatedly named

Highlights the repeated act of naming or designating something or someone.

was widely considered

Emphasizes broad agreement or acceptance of a particular view.

was habitually termed

Suggests a habitual or customary way of referring to something.

was regularly addressed as

Focuses on the act of addressing someone by a specific name or title on a regular basis.

was often described as

Highlights frequent descriptions of someone or something using particular attributes.

was designated as

Focuses on an authority formally calling someone something.

was earmarked as

Specifically focuses on a particular designation, highlighting it was pre-decided.

FAQs

How can I use "was frequently called" in a sentence?

Use "was frequently called" to indicate that someone or something was commonly referred to by a specific name or title. For example, "The old building was frequently called the town hall".

What are some alternatives to "was frequently called"?

You can use alternatives like "was often referred to as", "was commonly known as", or "was generally regarded as" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "was frequently called" in formal writing?

Yes, "was frequently called" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when describing historical facts or established reputations. However, consider using synonyms for variety and precision.

What's the difference between "was frequently called" and "was occasionally called"?

"Was frequently called" indicates a common and repeated occurrence, while "was occasionally called" suggests that the name or title was used less often, so be mindful when using these words to select the one that adheres to your need.