we call that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we call that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when introducing a term or phrase that refers to something previously mentioned or explained. Example: "When someone is very skilled at their job, we call that expertise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

"We call that week romjul.

Independent

We call that self regulation".

The New York Times

What do we call that?

The New Yorker

We call that obstruction.

The New York Times

We call that theft.

The Guardian - Business

We call that item the "hero".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

"We called that evening".

The New York Times

We called that project OffTheBus.

The Guardian - Opinion

Use-it-up, we called that pile".

The New York Times

"It's good we called that timeout and stayed level.

The New York Times - Sports

We called that early.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we call that", be mindful of your audience. While generally acceptable, consider slightly more formal alternatives like "that is referred to as" in academic or highly professional contexts.

Common error

Don't use "we call that" without a clear and direct connection to what you're defining. Ensure the 'that' has an immediate and unambiguous reference to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we call that" functions as an introductory device. It serves to introduce a specific term or label for a concept, action, or object that has just been described or is about to be defined. Ludwig shows how frequently used this construction is in real-world contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Reference

6%

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we call that" is a versatile and commonly used construction for introducing or defining a term. As verified by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and appears frequently in news, media, and scientific contexts. While generally neutral in tone, consider more formal alternatives in academic settings. Remember to ensure a clear reference for 'that' to avoid ambiguity. By understanding its function and context, you can effectively use "we call that" to enhance clarity and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that is known as

Highlights the common knowledge of the term.

we term that

Emphasizes the speaker's choice of terminology.

that is referred to as

More formal and emphasizes the act of referring.

we define that as

Highlights the act of defining by the speaker.

that's termed

More concise and slightly more formal.

this is what we know as

Focuses on existing knowledge and definitions.

that can be described as

Focuses on the descriptive aspect of the definition.

that's labeled as

Emphasizes the act of assigning a label.

it's designated as

Suggests a more official or formal designation.

that goes by the name of

Informal and emphasizes the name used.

FAQs

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

"We call that" is used to introduce a specific term or phrase that describes something you've just explained. For example, "When someone is extremely skilled at problem-solving, "we call that" expertise".

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

In formal writing, you can use phrases like "that is referred to as" or "that is known as" instead of "we call that" to maintain a professional tone.

Is it okay to use "we call that" in academic writing?

While "we call that" is grammatically correct, it might be considered too informal for some academic contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives depending on the specific requirements of your field or publication.

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

"We call that" emphasizes the speaker's or group's terminology, while "that is called" is more neutral and suggests a generally accepted term.