whatever it is called

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "whatever it is called" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to something whose name you do not know or cannot recall at the moment. Example: "I need to find that tool, whatever it is called, that helps with tightening screws."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Whatever it is called, its vast array of penalties kicks in automatically with a conviction, defying the supposedly bedrock principle of American law that the punishment must fit the crime.

The New Yorker

So the local council for Wimborne, whatever it is called, would seem to have somewhat failed in its duty.

The Guardian - Opinion

Whatever it is called, it looks a lot like a war.America's plan for fighting IS has two parts.

The Economist

Whatever it is called, it is not happening this month.

The New York Times

Whatever it is called, it speaks accurate German.

The Guardian - Books

Whatever it is called, one thing about Vote-a-Rama is clear, senators loathe it.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

He said he wanted to talk a little, but not too much, about love or sex or whatever it's called — its troubling persistence.

The New Yorker

But whatever it was called, it carried a bitter stigma.

The New York Times - Health

Whatever it was called, the response in 1860 was hardly overwhelming.

The New York Times - Sports

" 'All That You Don't Leave Behind,' or whatever it's called".

The New Yorker

And Giorgio Armani has chutzpah, or whatever it's called in Italian.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "whatever it is called" to acknowledge uncertainty about a term while maintaining the flow of your writing. It's particularly useful when the specific name isn't crucial to your point.

Common error

Avoid using "whatever it is called" excessively in formal academic or professional contexts. Opt for a more precise term or a neutral substitute like 'the aforementioned concept' if formality is required.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "whatever it is called" functions as a discourse marker or a conjunction phrase. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it indicates a speaker's detachment from the specific terminology used to describe something. It is used to acknowledge that a term exists, but its exact form is not important for the current discussion.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "whatever it is called" is a versatile phrase used to express indifference or uncertainty about the precise name of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts. While suitable for news, media, and general conversation, it should be used sparingly in formal academic writing. Alternatives such as "regardless of its name" or "irrespective of its title" may be more appropriate in formal settings. The phrase's communicative purpose is primarily to maintain the flow of conversation by downplaying the importance of specific terminology.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regardless of its name

Focuses on the irrelevance of the name.

no matter what it's named

Emphasizes the lack of concern for the designation.

irrespective of its title

Highlights that the title does not affect the matter.

by any other name

Implies that the essence remains the same despite differing names.

whatever you want to call it

Gives the listener freedom to choose a name.

however it's termed

Highlights the term used.

what's-its-name

Informal way of referring to something whose name is forgotten.

thingamajig

Informal placeholder for something with an unknown or forgotten name.

doodad

Refers to a small object whose name is not known or has been forgotten.

you-know-what

Indicates that the speaker expects the listener to understand the reference.

FAQs

How can I use "whatever it is called" in a sentence?

Use "whatever it is called" when you want to refer to something without knowing or specifying its exact name. For example, "The new policy, "whatever it is called", will affect all employees".

What are some alternatives to "whatever it is called"?

You can use phrases like "regardless of its name", "no matter what it's named", or "irrespective of its title" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "whatever it is called" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "whatever it is called" can sound informal. In formal writing, consider using more precise language or a neutral substitute like "the aforementioned item" or "the subject in question".

What does "whatever it is called" imply?

It implies that the specific name or label of something is not important or that the speaker doesn't know or can't remember it. It can also suggest a degree of indifference or lack of concern about the exact terminology.