we might call

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we might call" is considered correct and can be used in written English.
Example: We might call this phenomenon the "butterfly effect," as small actions can have significant consequences.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We might call this the New Secularism.

The New Yorker

Today we might call them major corporations.

The New York Times

And we might call such salvage mercy.

The New Yorker

We might call it transdisciplinarity.

The Guardian

They are what we might call fictions.

The Guardian - Arts

We might call it "transference therapy".

The New York Times

We might call this toxic disinhibition".

The Guardian

"Of course, we might call that evil".

The Guardian - Tech

We might call it the market failure theory of government.

Yale University

It was something that we might call feudal.

Yale University

These days, we might call it "talking to terrorists".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we might call" to introduce a term or concept that may not be widely known or accepted, indicating a degree of tentativeness or suggestion. This helps to frame the term as a proposed or provisional label.

Common error

Avoid excessive use of phrases like "we might call" in close proximity, as it can make your writing seem hesitant or lacking in confidence. Strive for a balance between suggesting new terms and asserting established ones.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we might call" functions as an introductory expression used to propose a name or label for something. It indicates a degree of tentativeness or suggestion, inviting the reader to consider the proposed term. Ludwig provides numerous examples showing this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we might call" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a tentative term or concept. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse sources, including News & Media, Academia, and Science. When using "we might call", consider balancing the tentativeness with confidence and avoid overuse. Related phrases include "we could term" and "we could describe as". By following the best practices and avoiding common errors, writers can effectively incorporate this phrase into their writing to suggest new terms and concepts with clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we could term

Replaces "call" with "term", suggesting a more formal naming.

we could label

Uses "label" instead of "call", implying a categorization.

we could describe as

Emphasizes the descriptive aspect rather than a specific name.

we might define as

Highlights the act of giving a definition to something.

it could be designated

Suggests a more official designation or naming.

we may characterize as

Uses "characterize" which implies describing the qualities of something.

it could be argued that

Introduces the phrase as a proposition or argument.

we might consider it

Focuses on the act of considering something under a certain description.

it's perhaps best understood as

Offers a suggestion for understanding something in a certain way.

a possible name for it is

Directly suggests an alternative name.

FAQs

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

Use "we might call" to introduce a term or concept, suggesting it as a possible or tentative label. For instance, "This phenomenon, "we might call" the 'cascade effect', has significant implications."

What are some alternatives to using "we might call"?

You can use phrases like "we could term", "we could describe as", or "we might define as" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to use quotation marks when introducing a term with "we might call"?

Quotation marks are often used to indicate that you're introducing a specific term, but it's not always mandatory. If the context makes it clear that you're proposing a name or label, you can omit them. For example, "This strategy, "we might call" agile innovation, focuses on rapid iteration."

What's the difference between "we might call" and "what we call"?

"We might call" suggests a new or tentative label, whereas "what "we call"" refers to a term that is already in use or generally understood.