whom we call

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "whom we call" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone by a specific name or title, often in a more formal context. Example: "There are many great thinkers in history, one of whom we call Aristotle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

Whom we call Malays.

Cornell University

Today Marwan — whom we call Memo — is 17 years old.

The New York Times

These actors, whom we call expert-citizens in this article, are characterized by their mobilization of legitimacy as both experts and citizens to influence urban transport policy agendas.

Journal of Transport Geography

Should we really leave our judgment of whom we call corrupt to our courts?

The New Yorker

Carl's son, a three-year-old whom we call Mr. Carl for how grown he acts, is here, too.

The New Yorker

In those neighborhoods, there are many young people whom we call beurs, whose families come from Arab countries.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

The history master, Mr. Gordon, whom we called Jerry, was a short, fair man.

The New Yorker

He labors alongside "a huge, excitable Italian" and "a hairy, uncouth animal whom we called the Magyar".

The New Yorker

There was a math teacher named Mr. Meyers, whom we called Mr. Mars after the way he drawled his own last name.

The New Yorker

My grandmother, whom we called Nana, would also sneak my brothers down to Hyde Park, reminding them, "Don't tell Grandpa Raven".

The New York Times - Magazine

A top razor named Innocent Zvarevashe, whom we called Zed, had made history by becoming the first Middle House boy ever to be the boyfriend of a Mary Ward.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "whom we call" to introduce a specific name or designation, particularly in formal writing when referring back to a previously mentioned person or group. Ensure the context necessitates the relative pronoun "whom" to maintain grammatical correctness.

Common error

Avoid substituting "who" for "whom" when "whom" is grammatically required as the object of a verb or preposition. "Whom we call" should only be used when "whom" functions correctly in the sentence, for example, "the person whom we call the expert."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "whom we call" functions as a relative clause, specifically a non-defining relative clause when set off by commas. It provides additional information about a noun (usually a person) and indicates the name or designation used to refer to that noun. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

26%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "whom we call" is a grammatically sound and frequently used relative clause to introduce or clarify a name or designation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Its use is most common in news, scientific, and academic contexts. While less frequent in informal settings, it adds a degree of formality and precision to writing. Consider alternatives like "whom we refer to as" or simply "whom we name" depending on your desired level of formality and the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

whom we name

A simpler and more direct way of saying "whom we call".

that we call

Less formal alternative replacing "whom" with "that".

whom we refer to as

Uses "refer to as" instead of "call", slightly more formal.

whom we have named

Past tense indicating a previously established naming convention.

whom we designate as

Emphasizes a formal or official naming.

whom we identify as

Highlights the act of recognizing and naming someone.

whom we know as

Suggests familiarity or common knowledge of the name.

whom we term

Implies a more technical or specialized terminology.

whom we label

Focuses on assigning a descriptive term.

whom we style

Suggests a particular manner or form of address.

FAQs

How do I use "whom we call" in a sentence?

Use "whom we call" to introduce a name or title, ensuring "whom" is the object of the verb. For example, "The scientist, "whom we call Dr. Smith", presented his findings."

Is it ever correct to use "who we call" instead of "whom we call"?

While "who we call" is increasingly common in informal speech, "whom we call" is grammatically correct in formal writing when "whom" functions as the object of the verb. In general, it's better to use "whom" in formal contexts.

What are some alternatives to "whom we call"?

Alternatives include "whom we refer to as", "whom we designate as", or simply "whom we name", depending on the level of formality and the specific context.

What's the difference between "whom we call" and "that we call"?

"Whom we call" is more formal and grammatically precise, using the objective pronoun "whom". "That we call" is less formal and suitable for everyday conversation, but may lack the precision required in formal writing.