what is termed

USAGE SUMMARY

"what is termed" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a term or phrase that is being defined or described. Example: "The concept of 'self-care' is often used in mental health discourse, but what is termed as self-care can vary widely from person to person."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He is what is termed, in parliamentary language, a "prat".

The Guardian

Hanna is joining CNN in what is termed as "a senior TV executive position".

The Guardian

The Swiss attorney general is investigating whether the £1.35m constitutes what is termed a "disloyal payment".

The Guardian - Sport

Photograph: Neil Kelsall This is what is termed as "added value".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It is perhaps the loneliest corner of what is termed Mexico's drug war.

The Guardian

The most dangerous of these are aimed at what is termed critical national infrastructure.

The Economist

Many electric phenomena occur under what is termed steady-state conditions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In Christian theology, therefore, soteriology is an integral part of what is termed Christology.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Some "bronze bits and bobs" also feature, said the artist, plus what is termed a ceramic bomb.

The Guardian - Arts

There are several types of lumbar fusions; Wheeler was performing what is termed a PLIF, a posterior lumbar interbody fusion.

The New Yorker

They found what is termed a "junior four" (one large bedroom and one small) for $1,300 a month.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what is termed" to introduce technical or specialized vocabulary to ensure clarity for your audience. This signals that you are defining a specific concept.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "what is termed" can sound overly formal in casual contexts. Opt for simpler alternatives like "called" or "known as" to maintain a conversational tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what is termed" functions as an introductory phrase. It serves to signal the introduction of a specific term or concept, often indicating that the term may be technical, specialized, or used in a particular context. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

34%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what is termed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used introductory phrase to highlight a specific term or concept within a text. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to ensure precision and clarity, particularly in formal and scientific writing. While its usage is generally correct, overuse in informal writing should be avoided for maintaining a natural tone. The examples showcase its diverse applications across various domains. Understanding its proper use helps writers to introduce specialized vocabulary effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what is called

Focuses more directly on the naming or labeling of something.

what is known as

Highlights the established recognition or common understanding of a term.

what is referred to as

Emphasizes the act of referencing or alluding to a particular concept.

what we call

More informal and directly involves the speaker's perspective.

that which is termed

More formal and less common variation, emphasizing the specific act of terming.

as it is termed

Highlights that a term is being used in a specific or technical way.

in what is termed

Positions the term within a defined context or framework.

which is termed

Connects a description or explanation to the specific term being introduced.

what one might call

Introduces a term that may not be universally accepted or commonly used.

that is termed

Directly states the act of something being termed in a specific way.

FAQs

How can I use "what is termed" in a sentence?

"What is termed" is used to introduce a specific term or concept, for example: "The process, "what is termed" 'cognitive dissonance', describes the mental discomfort experienced when holding conflicting beliefs."

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

While similar, "what is termed" often implies a more technical or specific usage, while "what is called" is more general. For instance, you might use ""what is termed"" when referring to a scientific phenomenon, and "what is called" when referring to a common name.

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

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

Is it always necessary to use quotation marks when introducing a term with "what is termed"?

Yes, it's a good practice to use quotation marks when introducing a specific term with ""what is termed"", as it highlights that you are referring to a particular phrase or concept, and not necessarily endorsing it.