informal 10K+

If you can call it that

🇬🇧 UK //ɪf juː kæn kɔːl ɪt ðæt// 🇺🇸 US //ɪf ju kæn kɔl ɪt ðæt//

Meaning of If you can call it that

A phrase expressing skepticism about a term or description being appropriate.

In simple words: Used to express doubt about a name or description.

If you can call it that in a sentence

• He built a chair, if you can call it that, but it wobbles terribly.
• The party was a disaster, if you can call it that, with hardly any guests showing up.
• She says she's a chef, if you can call it that, but she hardly cooks.
• That movie was supposed to be a comedy, if you can call it that; it wasn't funny at all.
• The presentation was informative, if you can call it that, but it was mostly unreadable slides.

How to use If you can call it that

Often used in casual conversation to downplay the value or quality of something referred to. Best avoided in very formal writing.

Grammar pattern

standalone phrase

Memory hint

Think of questioning whether something is truly as described.

Related words

Collocations with If you can call it that

• if you can call it that
• it's a
• what he calls

Synonyms for If you can call it that

• so-called
• if you can say that
• which you might call

Common mistakes with If you can call it that

• Using it in formal writing context.
• Confusing with similar phrases like 'if you want to call it that'.
• Not using it when sarcasm is implied.

Frequently asked questions about If you can call it that

What does If you can call it that mean?

Used to express doubt about a name or description.

What is the definition of If you can call it that?

A phrase expressing skepticism about a term or description being appropriate.

How do you use If you can call it that in a sentence?

He built a chair, if you can call it that, but it wobbles terribly.

Can you give another example of If you can call it that?

The party was a disaster, if you can call it that, with hardly any guests showing up.

What are synonyms for If you can call it that?

Common alternatives include so-called, if you can say that, which you might call.

What words go with If you can call it that?

It commonly pairs with if you can call it that, it's a, what he calls.

What are common mistakes when using If you can call it that?

Using it in formal writing context. Confusing with similar phrases like 'if you want to call it that'. Not using it when sarcasm is implied.

How do you pronounce If you can call it that?

US: //ɪf ju kæn kɔl ɪt ðæt//, UK: //ɪf juː kæn kɔːl ɪt ðæt//. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

Is If you can call it that formal or informal?

"If you can call it that" is informal, so it fits casual conversation with friends and family.

When should I use If you can call it that?

Often used in casual conversation to downplay the value or quality of something referred to. Best avoided in very formal writing.