Learn English – Neutral equivalent to the attributive use of the adjective “so-called”

word-request

The attributive use of the adjective "so-called" is defined as follows by the Oxford English Dictionary.

In attributive use (hyphened): Called or designated by this name or term, but not properly entitled to it or correctly described by it. Also loosely or catachr. as a term of abuse.
More recently, and now quite commonly (esp. in technical contexts), used merely to call attention to the description, without implication of incorrectness.

Is there any unambiguously neutral equivalent to the attributive use of the adjective "so-called"?

Example of use:

The objective of the de-identification process is to remove all so-called Protected Health Information (PHI).

I don't want the reader to think that I may imply that Protected Health Information isn't a good term. I know I could rephrase it such as:

The objective of the de-identification process is to remove all terms known as Protected Health Information (PHI).

but I am looking for another adjective that can be used attributively.

Best Answer

Here are a few more substitute terms:

The objective of the de-identification process is to remove anything considered Protected Health Information (PHI).

The objective of the de-identification process is to remove anything which meets the definition of Protected Health Information (PHI).

The objective of the de-identification process is to remove anything deemed Protected Health Information (PHI).

These convey the idea that someone calls this stuff "protected health information" without suggesting that they are wrong to do so.

Related Topic