we call it

USAGE SUMMARY

"we call it" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce a nickname or slang term for something. For example: "My mom's favorite restaurant is this small Italian place on 3rd Street - we call it 'Mama's Place.'".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We call it brightening.

The New York Times

We call it claiming.

The New York Times

We call it sable".

The New Yorker

We call it murder".

The New York Times

We call it perspective".

The New York Times

We call it democratic finance.

Independent

Can we call it retro?

Independent

"We call it extreme farming.

The New York Times - Food

"We call it a ghost.

The New York Times - Health

"We call it a lifer.

The New York Times - Sports

We call it quail whispering.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we call it" to introduce a specific term, nickname, or jargon used within a particular group, field, or context. For example: "In our team, we call it 'the magic button' when a feature unexpectedly fixes a bug."

Common error

Avoid using "we call it" when providing a formal, universally accepted definition. Opt for phrases like "is defined as" or "is known as" in academic or technical writing. For example, instead of "A group of lions, we call it a pride", write "A group of lions is called a pride".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we call it" primarily functions as an introductory phrase used to present a specific term, name, or label given to something. This is evidenced by the numerous examples provided by Ludwig, where it prefaces a particular designation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we call it" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a specific term or name, often within a particular context or group. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. While it's appropriate for neutral to informal settings like news articles or internal communications, it may be too casual for formal academic or technical writing, where alternatives like "is referred to as" or "is termed" would be more suitable. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media, showcasing its role in explaining and clarifying terminology for a broader audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we name it

A more direct and simple synonym for assigning a name.

we refer to it as

Emphasizes the act of mentioning something by a particular name.

we label it

Highlights the act of classifying or categorizing.

we term it

Implies a specific or technical naming convention.

we designate it

Focuses on a more formal or official naming.

we identify it as

Highlights the act of recognizing or distinguishing something.

we know it as

Suggests a common or well-known name.

we style it

Indicates a specific stylistic choice in naming.

we brand it

Emphasizes the marketing or commercial aspect of naming.

we christen it

Suggests a ceremonial or symbolic naming.

FAQs

How can I use "we call it" in a sentence?

The phrase "we call it" is used to introduce a specific term or name that is used within a particular group or context. For instance, "The process of reviewing code changes before merging, "we call it code review"".

What's a more formal alternative to "we call it"?

For more formal contexts, you can use phrases like "is referred to as", "is termed", or "is designated as". These alternatives provide a more professional tone compared to the more casual "we call it".

Is it appropriate to use "we call it" in academic writing?

While "we call it" is grammatically correct, it might be too informal for academic writing. In such contexts, consider using phrases like "this is termed" or "this is known as" to maintain a formal tone.

What's the difference between "we call it" and "it is called"?

"We call it" implies that a specific group or community uses that term, whereas "it is called" suggests a more general or universally accepted name. For example, "In our team, "we call it the sprint retrospective"", versus "The meeting to reflect on a sprint "it is called a retrospective"".