are seen

USAGE SUMMARY

'are seen' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to describe or refer to something that can be observed or detected (e.g. with the senses). Example sentence: The stars in the night sky are seen twinkling brightly.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Most are seen as corrupt.

The Economist

Marbled wares are seen occasionally.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Subtle messages are seen throughout.

The New York Times

Like you are seen.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Both are seen as fragile and nonchalant.

The New York Times

Noisy shareholders are seen as a nuisance.

The Economist

They are seen as people without rights.

The New York Times

Yet declining fortunes are seen elsewhere too.

The Economist

Sex crimes are seen as uniquely horrific.

The New York Times

They are seen as entertainment," she said.

The New York Times

Tories are seen as inherently bad.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "are seen", ensure the subject clearly identifies what is being observed or perceived to maintain clarity. For instance, clarify who "sees" the trend in the sentence "These trends are seen across multiple industries."

Common error

Avoid mixing tenses when using "are seen". Ensure the surrounding sentences maintain a consistent tense to prevent grammatical errors and maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are seen" functions as a passive verb, indicating that the subject is being acted upon. Ludwig's examples show its use in describing how something is perceived or observed. This aligns with the Ludwig AI analysis, confirming its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

22%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are seen" is a versatile and frequently used passive verb construction that describes something being observed or perceived. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable. The phrase is very common in news, science, and other varied contexts, indicating its broad appeal and relevance across different registers. While generally neutral, its specific connotation can vary depending on the context. To use it effectively, ensure consistent tense usage and clearly define what is being observed. Alternatives such as "are observed" or "are perceived" may be more appropriate depending on the intended nuance. Ludwig examples provide a rich collection of instances where "are seen" is effectively used in real-world writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are observed

Focuses on the act of observing, often in a scientific or formal context.

are perceived

Emphasizes subjective interpretation or understanding.

are noticed

Highlights the act of becoming aware of something.

are detected

Suggests discovery through specific methods or tools.

are regarded

Focuses on how something is considered or evaluated.

are considered

Implies a more formal or deliberate evaluation.

are recognized

Highlights acknowledgement or acceptance of something.

are identified

Focuses on pinpointing or categorizing something.

are apparent

Emphasizes the clear or obvious nature of something.

are revealed

Suggests the unveiling or disclosure of something.

FAQs

How can I use "are seen" in a sentence?

"Are seen" is used to indicate that something is observed or perceived. For example, "The effects of climate change "are seen" globally."

What's a good alternative to "are seen"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "are observed", "are perceived", or "are noticed".

Is it correct to say "is seen" instead of "are seen"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "is seen" for singular subjects (e.g., "The problem is seen as minor") and "are seen" for plural subjects (e.g., "The problems "are seen" as major").

What's the difference between "are seen" and "are viewed"?

"Are seen" generally implies observation or perception, while "are viewed" suggests a specific perspective or opinion. For example, "The data "are seen" as inconclusive" versus "The data "are viewed" with skepticism."