would like to be called

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "would like to be called" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a preference for how you or someone else would like to be addressed or referred to. Example: "I would like to be called by my first name, Alex, rather than my formal title."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

He would like to be called a "bleeding-heart conservative".

The Economist

She asks him what he would like to be called.

The Guardian - Film

Any dictator worth his salt would like to be called Rodman.

Independent

"I don't think a woman would like to be called a bag, Manolo".

The New York Times - Style

The Economist's principles are to call people and countries what they would like to be called, and to show respect at all times.

The Economist

The man asked him if he'd like a different name and he said he would, he would like to be called Coillte, the name of the forest.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

"I'd like to be called Basha.

The New Yorker

Call people what they'd like to be called".

The New York Times

The last thing I'd like to be called.

The Guardian - Music

In the meantime, do your best, keep an open mind and call people what they'd like to be called.

The New York Times

I think they should ask what we'd like to be called.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing dialogue, use "would like to be called" to accurately portray a character's preference for their name or title, enhancing character development and authenticity.

Common error

Avoid using "would like to be called" in highly formal or technical documents where a more precise term like "prefers to be addressed as" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "would like to be called" functions primarily as a declarative expression of preference. It indicates the desired form of address or designation that an individual or entity prefers. As seen in the Ludwig examples, it's used in diverse contexts, from personal names to corporate branding.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "would like to be called" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a preference for a specific name or title. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across different contexts. As demonstrated by the examples, this phrase appears frequently in news articles, academic papers, and general writing. While generally neutral, a more formal tone might be necessary in certain professional settings. Alternatives such as "prefers to be addressed as" or "wishes to be known as" offer similar meanings with slight variations in formality. Understanding these nuances allows for more effective communication and ensures that individuals are addressed in their preferred manner.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prefers to be addressed as

Focuses on preferred address, highlighting a desire for specific terminology.

wishes to be known as

Emphasizes a desire for a particular public identity or designation.

desires to be referred to as

Highlights the wish for others to use a specific term of reference.

requests to be named

Emphasizes a formal request regarding naming conventions.

would prefer to be addressed as

Highlights a simple preference regarding address.

likes to be identified as

Highlights a preference for identification.

chooses to be called

Focuses on a decision to be addressed in a certain way.

opts to be known as

Emphasizes a choice in how one is publicly recognized.

favors being addressed as

Emphasizes a particular favor in how one is addressed.

is happy to be called

Focuses on satisfaction with a particular form of address.

FAQs

How can I politely ask someone what they "would like to be called"?

You can ask, "How "would you like to be addressed"?" or "What name do you prefer to use?" to show respect and ensure you're using the correct form of address.

Is "would like to be called" too informal for business communication?

While generally acceptable, in very formal business contexts, consider using phrases like "prefers to be addressed as" or "requests to be referred to as" for a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "would like to be called" and "prefers to be called"?

"Would like to be called" expresses a desire, while "prefers to be called" suggests a stronger inclination or established preference. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

When should I use "wishes to be known as" instead of "would like to be called"?

Use "wishes to be known as" when emphasizing a public identity or the way someone wants to be perceived, rather than just a simple preference for a name.