be regarded as a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be regarded as a" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing how someone or something is perceived or classified in a particular way. Example: "He is often regarded as a pioneer in the field of renewable energy."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This step change may be regarded as a rheological threshold.

Polymer

I simply want to be regarded as a parent.

The Washington Post

It should be regarded as a matter of national security.

The New York Times

Until then, Sacramento will be regarded as a novelty act.

The New York Times - Sports

However, it shouldn't be regarded as a panacea.

The Guardian

Jobs could be regarded as a benign dictator.

The Guardian - Tech

He can be regarded as a "mini Mo".

The Guardian - Sport

The individual must be regarded as a free agent.

The Economist

Now the resulting spill could be regarded as a warning.

The New York Times

(It would later be regarded as a Hammer cult classic).

The New York Times

Instead, this should be regarded as a critical appreciation.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be regarded as a", ensure that the context clearly establishes who is doing the regarding. This can be implied but should ideally be apparent to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While "be regarded as a" is a passive construction, overuse of passive voice can weaken writing. Consider whether an active construction might be more direct and impactful, such as "Many consider him a pioneer" instead of "He is regarded as a pioneer by many."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be regarded as a" functions as a passive construction used to express how someone or something is perceived or classified. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically sound and usable phrase in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be regarded as a" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey how someone or something is perceived, classified, or assessed. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it maintains a neutral to professional register, finding common usage across scientific, news, and formal business contexts. While perfectly acceptable, writers should be mindful of overusing passive voice and consider more direct, active alternatives when appropriate. The examples found by Ludwig demonstrate its versatility and reliability in formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be considered as a

This alternative shares a direct synonymy with the original phrase, focusing on the act of considering something in a specific manner.

be seen as a

This option emphasizes the visual aspect of perception, how something is viewed or understood by others.

be viewed as a

This suggests a more thoughtful or analytical perspective than simply "be seen as", adding a layer of interpretation.

be perceived as a

This highlights the subjective nature of understanding, how individuals interpret something based on their own experiences.

be deemed as a

This implies a more formal or official judgment, often made by an authority or expert.

be known as a

This emphasizes widespread recognition or reputation, how something is generally acknowledged.

be classified as a

This focuses on categorization or systematic organization, how something is grouped within a defined system.

be labeled as a

This stresses the act of assigning a specific descriptor or identifier, potentially carrying connotations or expectations.

be characterized as a

This suggests describing something by its most prominent or distinctive qualities.

be represented as a

This highlights the way something is portrayed or depicted, often in a symbolic or metaphorical manner.

FAQs

What's a more concise alternative to "be regarded as a"?

Depending on the context, alternatives like "considered", "seen as", or "viewed as" can offer a more concise way to express the same idea. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

How does the formality of "be regarded as a" compare to its alternatives?

"Be regarded as a" is generally neutral to slightly formal. More informal options include "seen as" or "viewed as", while "deemed as" might be considered more formal.

Is it always necessary to specify who "regards" something when using "be regarded as a"?

While not always explicitly stated, the subject doing the regarding should be clear from the context. If it's unclear, specify who holds the opinion to avoid ambiguity. For example, "Scientists regard this as a breakthrough."

Which is correct: "is regarded as" or "are regarded as"?

The correct form depends on the subject's number. Use "is regarded as" for singular subjects (e.g., "He is regarded as a leader"). Use "are regarded as" for plural subjects (e.g., "They are regarded as experts").