which is called

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which is called" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a term or concept that has a specific name or designation. Example: "The phenomenon of photosynthesis, which is called the process by which green plants convert sunlight into energy, is essential for life on Earth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Labov's new work, which is called "The….

The New Yorker

There's a region here which is called the fovea.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

There's another kind of a corporation, which is called nonprofit.

Yale University

There's a scrum, which is called a bully.

Independent

Tells about the band which is called No Vacancy.

The New Yorker

We added a third component which is called "course choice".

The Economist

She has chosen the restaurant, which is called Red Legs.

The New Yorker

He was taking responsibility, which is called leadership.

The New York Times - Sports

"There is now a menace which is called Twitter.

The New Yorker

Describes the fountain which is called Pimm's Vichy Spa.

The New Yorker

collaboration, which is called "Are you there, Democracy?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, ensure that the "which" clause is nonrestrictive, meaning it provides additional information that isn't essential to the sentence's meaning. Use commas to set off the clause.

Common error

Avoid using "that is called" when "which is called" is more appropriate for nonrestrictive clauses. "That" should generally be used for restrictive clauses that are essential to the sentence's meaning, whereas "which" introduces additional, non-essential information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which is called" functions as a nonrestrictive relative clause. It introduces additional, non-essential information about a noun or concept. The Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correct and usable nature in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

32%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "which is called" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that functions as a nonrestrictive relative clause to introduce a term or concept. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is suitable for use in various contexts and its function is to provide clarity or definition. Its register is neutral, making it appropriate for formal and informal settings. When using this phrase, ensure the clause is nonrestrictive and set off by commas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

known as

A simpler and more direct substitute for "which is called".

is named

A concise and straightforward way to state the name of something.

referred to as

A common and versatile alternative, suitable for many contexts.

that is termed

Replaces "which is called" with a more formal synonym, emphasizing the act of naming.

identified as

Emphasizes the act of recognizing or classifying something by a specific name.

otherwise known as

Indicates an alternative or more common name for something.

designated as

Suggests a formal assignment of a name or title.

that goes by the name of

A more descriptive and sometimes emphatic way of introducing a name.

that bears the name of

A more elegant and emphatic version of "is named".

that one might call

Introduces a degree of subjectivity or potential variation in the naming.

FAQs

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

Use "which is called" to introduce a term or concept by its specific name, providing additional but non-essential information. For example, "Photosynthesis, "which is called" the process by which green plants convert sunlight into energy, is essential for life."

What are some alternatives to "which is called"?

Alternatives include "known as", "referred to as", or "that is termed", depending on the context and level of formality.

Is it correct to use "that is called" instead of "which is called"?

While both can be used, "which is called" is generally preferred for nonrestrictive clauses, providing additional information. "That is called" might be used in restrictive clauses that are essential to the sentence's meaning, but "which is called" is more common overall.

What's the difference between "which is called" and "known as"?

"Which is called" is a phrase that introduces the name of something. "Known as" is a more concise alternative that serves the same purpose.