be seen to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be seen to be" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone or something is perceived in a certain way by others, often in the context of reputation or public image. Example: "The company wants to be seen to be environmentally friendly, so they are implementing sustainable practices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Democracy must be seen to be done.

The Economist

"They can't be seen to be shopping.

The New York Times

Let justice be seen to be done.

The Guardian

Justice must be seen to be done.

The Guardian - Opinion

The last must be seen to be believed.

The New Yorker

It has to be seen to be believed.

The New Yorker

The place must be seen to be believed.

The New Yorker

He needs to be seen to be in charge.

The Guardian - Sport

Her dream has to be seen to be believed.

The Guardian - Film

This work has to be seen to be believed.

The New York Times

This really has to be seen to be believed.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be seen to be" when you want to emphasize the importance of public perception, especially in contexts where maintaining a certain image is crucial.

Common error

Avoid using "be seen to be" in very casual conversations or informal writing where simpler alternatives like "appear" or "seem" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be seen to be" functions as a modal construction emphasizing the importance of public perception or outward appearance. It suggests a deliberate effort to project a certain image or maintain a specific reputation. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples showcasing this usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be seen to be" is a common construction used to emphasize the importance of public perception and outward appearance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. It's crucial to use this phrase when highlighting the need to manage public image or ensure actions are perceived favorably. While alternatives like "appear to be" or "seem to be" exist, "be seen to be" often suggests a more deliberate effort to shape perception. Understanding this nuance will enhance your writing and ensure you convey the intended meaning effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appear to be

This alternative focuses on outward appearance and how something is perceived.

seem to be

Indicates a subjective assessment based on available evidence.

be perceived as

Emphasizes the interpretation or understanding of something by others.

be regarded as

Highlights the general opinion or estimation of something.

give the impression of being

Focuses on the creation of a specific image or effect.

create the appearance of

Similar to giving an impression, but with an emphasis on constructing an image.

look like

A more informal way of saying appear, often used for physical characteristics.

strike someone as

Highlights a particular feeling or judgement someone gets regarding somebody/something.

be understood as

Focuses on the interpretation and comprehension of something.

present oneself as

Emphasizes the active role someone takes in shaping their public image.

FAQs

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

Use "be seen to be" to emphasize the importance of public perception. For example: "The company needs to "be seen to be environmentally friendly" to attract investors."

What are some alternatives to "be seen to be"?

Alternatives include "appear to be", "seem to be", or "be perceived as", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "be seen to be"?

It's appropriate when highlighting the necessity of maintaining a specific public image or perception, particularly in professional or formal contexts.

What's the difference between "be seen to be" and "appear to be"?

"Be seen to be" often carries a stronger implication of intentional effort to create a specific perception, whereas "appear to be" is a more neutral observation.