be seen

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be seen" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to indicate that something is visible or can be perceived. Example: I saw something move in the corner of my eye, but by the time I looked again, it seemed to have disappeared as if it had never been seen.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Nothing could be seen.

The New Yorker

Let Love be seen.

The New York Times - Arts

"See and be seen.

The New York Times

Would they be seen?

The New Yorker

Nowhere to be seen.

The New York Times - Travel

To be seen?

The New Yorker

Various equipages to be seen.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Be seeing you there.

Independent

"Be seeing you," he said.

The New Yorker

I'll be seeing you".

The New Yorker

No pulsations are seen.

Advances in Space Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be seen", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is doing the seeing. It's a passive construction, so clarity about the subject is crucial for effective communication.

Common error

A common error is using "be seen" without a clear subject, leading to ambiguity. Always ensure the sentence provides context about who is doing the observing to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be seen" functions primarily as a passive construction, indicating that something is visible or noticeable. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usage, supported by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be seen" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction signifying visibility or being observed. Ludwig AI supports its correctness and versatility. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, from news reports to scientific papers. While generally clear, ensure the sentence provides context to avoid ambiguity regarding who or what is doing the seeing. Consider alternatives like ""be visible"" or ""be noticeable"" to fine-tune the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be visible

Emphasizes the ability to be perceived visually.

be noticeable

Highlights the quality of attracting attention or being easily observed.

be observed

Focuses on the act of someone watching or taking note.

be detected

Implies the discovery of something, often through careful searching or monitoring.

be recognized

Stresses the acknowledgement or identification of someone or something.

be perceived

Refers to how something is understood or interpreted by the senses or mind.

be spotted

Suggests a quick or chance sighting.

be revealed

Indicates the unveiling or disclosure of something previously hidden.

come into view

Describes the process of something becoming visible.

be brought to light

Focuses on making something known or evident, often something previously concealed.

FAQs

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

Use "be seen" to indicate something is visible or noticed. For example, "The comet could "be seen" with binoculars" or "He wanted to "be seen" at the party".

What does "be seen" mean?

"Be seen" means to be visible or noticeable. It implies that something or someone is within sight or is attracting attention.

What are some alternatives to "be seen"?

Alternatives include "be visible", "be noticeable", or "be observed" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "to be seen"?

Yes, "to be seen" is grammatically correct. It is often used in infinitive phrases, such as "It is important to "be seen" as a leader".