what is called

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what is called" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a term or concept that is being defined or explained. Example: "The phenomenon known as 'cognitive dissonance' is what is called a psychological conflict resulting from incongruent beliefs and attitudes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

You have what is called moral courage.

The New Yorker

This is what is called 'jizz'jizz

The Guardian

It's what is called a hidden subsidy.

The Guardian

"What is called for is self-control".

The Guardian - Books

That is what is called a stretch.

The New York Times - Arts

The MPC is unthinkingly assuming what is called mean reversion.

Independent

"This is an attempt at what is called enrollment management".

The New York Times

Partly this is due to what is called "liberation solidarity".

The New York Times

Archivists produce what is called a "finding aid".

The New Yorker

Company C specializes in what is called blanket-wrapped shipping.

The New York Times

New York has what is called a closed primary system.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what is called" to introduce technical terms or concepts that might be unfamiliar to your audience, providing a clear and accessible explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "what is called" for commonly known terms. Instead, use it specifically when introducing a technical or specialized vocabulary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what is called" serves as an introductory device, presenting a specific term or concept to the audience. Ludwig's examples show its usage across various contexts, defining subjects ranging from scientific processes to social phenomena. The phrase prepares the reader for a specific terminology.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

34%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "what is called" is a versatile and commonly used introductory phrase used to define a term or concept. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and appears frequently across a wide array of sources, including news media, science, and encyclopedias. While it is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, overuse should be avoided, especially with common knowledge terms. Remember to use "what is called" when you want to provide clarity and introduce specific vocabulary to your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

known as

Highlights the common recognition of something by a particular name.

referred to as

Emphasizes the act of directing attention to something using a specific designation.

termed as

Focuses on the act of naming or labeling something with a specific term.

designated as

Implies a formal or official assignment of a name or title.

identified as

Focuses on the act of recognizing and specifying something by a particular name.

described as

Focuses on the act of providing a detailed account of something's characteristics.

defined as

Highlights the act of providing a clear and precise explanation or meaning.

recognized as

Highlights the acknowledgment of something as having a particular quality or status.

considered to be

Emphasizes a general opinion or belief about something.

regarded as

Similar to "considered to be", but suggests a more formal or respectful view.

FAQs

How do I use "what is called" in a sentence?

Use "what is called" to introduce a term or concept that may be unfamiliar to your audience. For example, "The process of converting sunlight into energy is "what is called photosynthesis"."

What can I say instead of "what is called"?

You can use alternatives like "known as", "referred to as", or "termed as" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "what is called" or "known as"?

"What is called" is best used when defining a term within the current context. "Known as" is better when referring to a term that is already widely recognized.

What's the difference between "what is called" and "defined as"?

"What is called" introduces a term, whereas "defined as" provides a specific, often formal, explanation of the term's meaning.