were known as

USAGE SUMMARY

"were known as" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a group or category of things or people that share a certain characteristic or name. Example: The ancient civilization that inhabited the region were known as the Mayans.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The planes were known as Golden Nuggets.

The New York Times

These were known as "Bethe's Bible".

The Economist

These were known as multiprogrammed systems.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The couple were known as "Philadelphoi".

Britannica

Those years were known as "A.I. winters".

The New York Times

They were known as the "Rough Riders".

Independent

They were known as giudei (Jews).

The New Yorker

(They were known as the Black Poor).

Encyclopedia Britannica

The intellectuals were known as the Young Ottomans.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They were known as the Wolf Brigade.

The Guardian

We were known as McGrory's bearers".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were known as" when you want to introduce the common or recognized name or title of a person, place, thing, or group. This phrase indicates widespread recognition or understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "were known as" to express a subjective opinion or belief. This phrase is best used for established facts or widely accepted labels, not personal viewpoints.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were known as" functions as a copular verb construction, linking a subject to a noun phrase or adjective phrase that identifies or describes it. This construction, as Ludwig AI points out, indicates that the subject is recognized or identified by a specific name or characteristic.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Encyclopedias

32%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "were known as" is a frequently used and grammatically sound construction that serves to identify or describe a subject by its common name or designation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is used across various contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and wiki sources. When writing, it's best to use this phrase for establishing facts and widely accepted labels, avoiding its misuse for subjective opinions. Alternatives like "were identified as" or "were referred to as" can provide nuanced variations in meaning, depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were identified as

Focuses on the act of identifying rather than the general knowledge or recognition.

were referred to as

Highlights the act of referring or mentioning something by a specific name.

were designated as

Implies a formal assignment or naming of something.

were recognized as

Emphasizes the act of acknowledging or perceiving something for what it is.

were styled as

Suggests a particular manner or form in which something is presented or regarded.

were labeled as

Implies a classification or categorization using a specific label.

were termed as

Focuses on the specific term used to describe something.

were considered as

Highlights a particular opinion or judgment about something.

were regarded as

Indicates how something is viewed or treated by others.

went by the name of

This alternative is more conversational and focuses on the name being used.

FAQs

How can I use "were known as" in a sentence?

Use "were known as" to introduce a recognized name or title. For example: "The planes "were known as" Golden Nuggets."

What phrases are similar to "were known as"?

Similar phrases include "were referred to as", "were identified as", or "were designated as", each carrying slightly different nuances in meaning.

Is it correct to say "was known as" instead of "were known as"?

"Was known as" is used with singular subjects, while ""were known as"" is used with plural subjects. For example: "The ship was known as the 'Flying Dutchman'," but "The islands "were known as" the 'Spice Islands'."

What is the difference between "became known as" and "were known as"?

"Became known as" implies a change over time, where something gained a name or reputation. "Were known as" suggests a more static, established identity or name.