be seen as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be seen as" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe how someone or something is perceived or interpreted by others. For example: - She is often seen as a role model for young women. - The new policy is seen as a positive step towards addressing climate change. - His behavior can be seen as arrogant by some, but to others, it's simply confidence.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

These can be seen as below.

Stanford University

Why shouldn't I be seen as beautiful?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"That has to be seen as successful".

BBC

Too embarrassed to be seen as dumb.

HuffPost

Wealth there couldn't be seen as easily.

Vice

"It shouldn't be seen as difference.

Independent

We can't be seen as weak.

The New Yorker

It might be seen as a provocation.

The New Yorker

One may be seen as a paradox.

The New York Times - Arts

Should Mubarak be seen as a dictator?

The New Yorker

America can't be seen as passive.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be seen as", ensure that the perspective or group holding the view is clear, either explicitly stated or implicitly understood from the context.

Common error

Avoid using "be seen as" without clarifying who holds the perspective. Vague statements can lead to misinterpretations. Specify the source of the perception to provide clarity and context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be seen as" functions as a passive construction indicating how something is perceived or interpreted. It connects a subject with a characteristic or role attributed to it by others, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

14%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be seen as" is a versatile phrase used to convey how something or someone is perceived. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. It is particularly common in news and media, yet also found in academic and informal writing. When using "be seen as", clarity is key. Specify the perceiver to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like ""be regarded as"" or ""be considered as"" can provide nuanced variations in meaning. Remember that while grammatically correct, omitting the perspective can dilute its effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be regarded as

Replaces "seen" with "regarded", emphasizing a considered opinion.

be considered as

Substitutes "seen" with "considered", suggesting a more formal assessment.

be viewed as

Uses "viewed" instead of "seen", focusing on a specific perspective.

be perceived as

Emphasizes the subjective nature of how something is understood.

be recognized as

Highlights acknowledgment or acceptance of a particular quality or status.

be known as

Focuses on widespread familiarity or reputation.

be interpreted as

Emphasizes the act of explaining or understanding the meaning of something.

be deemed as

Suggests a judgment or official assessment.

be understood as

Focuses on comprehension and grasp of meaning.

be characterized as

Emphasizes the distinctive qualities used to describe something.

FAQs

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

Use "be seen as" to describe how someone or something is perceived. For instance, "Her actions might "be seen as" a sign of weakness" or "He wants to "be seen as" a decisive leader".

What are some alternatives to "be seen as"?

Alternatives include "be regarded as", "be considered as", "be viewed as", or "be perceived as". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to specify who is doing the 'seeing' when using "be seen as"?

While not always grammatically required, specifying who holds the perception provides clarity and context. Omitting it can sometimes lead to ambiguity, so consider the audience and the message you're trying to convey.

Which is correct, "be seen as" or "be seen like"?

"Be seen as" is the correct and more common idiomatic expression. "Be seen like" is less formal and less frequently used, and might sound awkward in formal writing. It's generally better to use ""be seen as"".