which are called

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which are called" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a clarification or definition of a term or concept mentioned earlier in the text. Example: "There are several types of fruits, which are called citrus fruits, that are known for their tangy flavor."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There are combat mines, which are called armor-piercing mines.

The New York Times

Cancer is currently attributed to the mutation of specific genes, which are called oncogenes.

University of California, Berkeley

And you pause at these points here, which are called fixations.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Let's use these, which are called "ryansMammoth" in the corpus, for some examples.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

You can also add some helpful options, which are called flags to the compile command.

University of California, Berkeley

However, two problems can occur with manual grading, which are called downgrading and upgrading.

Smart Inspection Systems Techniques and Applications of Intelligent Vision

There are three interlayer interfaces associated with the PHY, which are called SAPs (Service Access Points).

Hands-On ZigBee Implementing 802.15.4 with Microcontrollers

Don't miss the fried zucchini, which are called zucchini fritters on the menu.

The New York Times

Every atom or molecule can have certain discrete internal energies, which are called quantum states.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They divide the placenta into 15 or 20 compartments, which are called cotyledons.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The few female zooids enlarge to form spacious brood chambers, which are called gonozooids.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "which are called" to introduce terms or concepts that may be unfamiliar to your audience, providing clarity and context.

Common error

Avoid using "which are called" to introduce terms that are already widely understood by your target audience; this can make your writing sound condescending or unnecessarily verbose. Reserve it for specialized vocabulary or less common concepts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which are called" functions as a relative clause that introduces a name, definition, or clarification of a preceding noun or concept. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it serves to specify or provide additional information about the subject being discussed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

26%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

11%

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "which are called" is a versatile relative clause used to introduce a name, definition, or clarification of a term or concept. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Its function is primarily to provide clarity and context, ensuring the audience understands the specific meaning of a concept. While it appears across various registers, it is most frequently found in science, news and media, and academic contexts. When using "which are called", it's best to reserve it for terms that might be unfamiliar to your audience to avoid redundancy. Remember to consider alternatives like "that are termed" or "known as" for more formal or informal contexts, respectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that are termed

Emphasizes a formal or technical designation.

that are known as

Highlights common recognition or familiarity.

that are referred to as

Indicates a specific act of referring or citing.

designated as

Implies an official or formal assignment of a name.

identified as

Focuses on recognition or classification based on specific attributes.

otherwise known as

Introduces an alternative, often more familiar, name.

that go by the name of

A more descriptive way of indicating a name or title.

that bear the name of

Suggests a formal or historical connection to a name.

defined as

Focuses on the specific definition or meaning.

characterized as

Emphasizes the defining characteristics or attributes.

FAQs

How can I use "which are called" in a sentence?

Use "which are called" to introduce and define a term or concept. For example: "These fruits, "which are called citrus", are known for their high vitamin C content."

What are some alternatives to "which are called"?

You can use phrases like "that are termed", "that are known as", or "that are referred to as" to provide similar clarification.

Is it always necessary to use "which are called" when defining a term?

No, you don't always need "which are called". If the term is well-known or the context makes the meaning clear, a simple definition might suffice. However, it's helpful for introducing specialized vocabulary or clarifying less common concepts.

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

"Which are called" is a more general way to introduce a name or definition. "What are termed" often implies a more formal or technical context, suggesting that the term is specifically used within a particular field or discipline.