be regarded as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be regarded as" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to express that someone or something is seen or considered in a particular way. For example: "The president's decision to raise taxes was regarded as unpopular by many citizens."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Most of them, however, cannot be regarded as authentic.

Britannica

Nor should it be regarded as frightening.

The Economist

This region can be regarded as bulk.

Polymer

It cannot be regarded as scientific knowledge.

The Guardian - Books

It cannot be regarded as beyond reproach.

The Guardian

The agreement can be regarded as acceptable.

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section B: Beam Interactions with Materials and Atoms

"Letters patent are not to be regarded as monopolies..

Cornell University

Therefore, Africanized bees can be regarded as superior pollinators.

Columbia University

The tethered chains can be regarded as 'isolated polymer chains'.

Polymer

This step change may be regarded as a rheological threshold.

Polymer

It soon came to be regarded as foreign occupation force.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be regarded as" when you want to express a general perception or evaluation of something, ensuring the context clearly indicates who is doing the regarding.

Common error

Avoid using "be regarded" without the "as" when intending to express consideration. "The decision was regarded unpopular" is incorrect; use "The decision was regarded as unpopular."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be regarded as" functions as a passive construction used to indicate how someone or something is viewed or considered. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in diverse contexts, such as expressing opinions, classifications, and assessments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

29%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be regarded as" serves to express a general perception or evaluation, as validated by Ludwig. It's grammatically correct and highly versatile, finding frequent use in news, scientific, and academic sources. When utilizing "be regarded as", ensure that you clearly define who is doing the 'regarding'. Related phrases, such as "be considered to be" or "be seen as", offer subtle variations in tone and formality. Avoid the common error of omitting 'as' to maintain grammatical accuracy. Ludwig provides ample examples demonstrating proper usage, reinforcing its role in effective communication. The high frequency of use across varied authoritative sources reinforces its significance in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be considered to be

This alternative uses "considered" instead of "regarded", implying a more formal or deliberate assessment.

be seen as

This option is more informal and suggests a perception rather than a judgment.

be viewed as

Similar to "be seen as", but can imply a more thoughtful or critical observation.

be deemed to be

This is more formal and suggests an official or authoritative assessment.

be looked upon as

Implies a general or collective opinion, often with a nuance of respect or disapproval.

be thought of as

This suggests a more personal or subjective opinion.

be recognized as

Indicates acknowledgment or acceptance of a particular quality or status.

be known as

This implies a widespread awareness or reputation.

be characterized as

Suggests a description that captures the essential qualities of something.

be classified as

This implies a systematic or formal categorization.

FAQs

How can I use "be regarded as" in a sentence?

Use "be regarded as" to express how something is generally perceived or considered. For instance, "The new policy was "be regarded as controversial" by many employees".

What are some alternatives to "be regarded as"?

You can use alternatives such as "be considered to be", "be seen as", or "be viewed as" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "is regarded by" instead of "be regarded as"?

While grammatically correct, "is regarded by" emphasizes the source of the opinion, whereas "be regarded as" emphasizes the general perception. For example, "The policy is regarded by the public" versus "The policy is regarded as effective".

What's the difference between "be regarded as" and "be deemed as"?

"Be deemed as" is more formal and suggests an official judgment or assessment, while "be regarded as" indicates a more general perception or opinion. You might say "The evidence was deemed sufficient by the court" versus "The movie was regarded as a classic".