be thought to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be thought to be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing perceptions, beliefs, or assumptions about someone or something. Example: "He is often thought to be the best candidate for the position due to his extensive experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Well-being, what is good for me, might be thought to be naturally linked to what seems good to me, and pleasure does, to most people, seem good.

SEP

Those that remain might be thought to be likely buyers of Indian banks.

The Economist

"You want to be picked, you want to be thought to be competitive," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Not heads of government, especially not those who do not wish to be thought to be over-doing the relaxation.

The Economist

"I didn't want to be in anybody's pocket, that's why I didn't want to be thought to be gay, particularly.

The Guardian

I have always advised David Cameron, for example, against coming, as his presence might be thought to be "political".

The Guardian - Opinion

Potentially convertible, all such outcasts might be thought to be using camouflaging techniques to infiltrate, hide out, assimilate, and thereby turn a treacherous trick.

The New Yorker

If the reference of the name "Gödel" is Gödel, in the same sense the reference of a photograph of Gödel could also be thought to be Gödel.

The New York Times

Goldring then intervened, pointing out: "I think he said 'grave' mistake, or a 'great' mistake; either might be thought to be the same as a serious mistake.

The Guardian - Sport

The government clearly must not let its guard slip and it equally clearly cannot afford to be thought to be asleep on the job.

The Guardian - Opinion

A simple one clause Abolition of Privacy Bill: "The tort of misuse of private information is hereby abolished" might be thought to be sufficient.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be thought to be", ensure the context clearly indicates who is doing the thinking or holding the belief. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on passive constructions like "be thought to be". Overusing it can make your writing sound vague and less direct. Consider using active voice where appropriate for a more impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be thought to be" functions as a passive construction, indicating a common belief, perception, or assumption. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English, expressing widespread opinions or assumptions about a subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

55%

News & Media

29%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be thought to be" is a versatile phrase used to express common beliefs or perceptions. As confirmed by Ludwig, the expression is correct and widely accepted in English writing. It appears most frequently in science, news, and formal contexts. When using this phrase, clarity is key, ensuring that the source of the belief is evident. While grammatically sound, avoid over-reliance on passive voice and consider active alternatives for more direct communication. Alternatives such as "be considered to be" or "be believed to be" can add subtle differences in meaning, depending on the context. Overall, mastering the usage of "be thought to be" enhances writing precision and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be considered to be

Emphasizes a more formal and deliberate evaluation or judgment.

be believed to be

Highlights a conviction or acceptance as true, often without concrete proof.

be deemed to be

Suggests an official or authoritative assessment or determination.

be regarded as

Focuses on the general opinion or perception of someone or something.

be viewed as

Indicates a particular perspective or way of seeing something.

be perceived as

Stresses how something is sensed or understood, which might not be entirely accurate.

be assumed to be

Implies a supposition or guess, often without thorough investigation.

be supposed to be

Conveys an expectation or obligation, sometimes with a hint of doubt.

be rumored to be

Suggests that information is circulating informally, potentially without factual basis.

be speculated to be

Highlights that something is being conjectured or theorized, often without firm evidence.

FAQs

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

Use "be thought to be" to express a common belief or perception about something. For example, "He is often "considered to be" the best candidate for the position" indicates a widely held opinion.

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

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

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "be thought to be"?

While "be thought to be" is a passive construction, sometimes it's the most appropriate choice, especially when the subject doing the thinking is unknown or unimportant. However, consider using active voice for more direct and impactful writing where possible.

What's the difference between "be thought to be" and "be known to be"?

"Be thought to be" implies a belief or opinion, while "be known to be" suggests established fact or widespread awareness. The former is subjective, while the latter aims to be objective.