can be perceived

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be perceived" is a perfectly valid and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to suggest that something can be experienced through the senses, either visually, aurally, or tactilely. For example, "The beauty of the night sky can be perceived by all who look up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Mastectomy scars are rarely neat and can be perceived as disfiguring.

The Guardian

And any move away from this levelled playing field can be perceived as a defection.

The New Yorker

To city dwellers, even rain can be perceived as an affront, both personal and civic.

The New York Times

There is not much in the way of change that can be perceived on the horizon.

The New York Times

For one, young dancers say ballroom dance can be perceived as "uncool," especially by American boys.

The New York Times - Arts

Are household goods, which can be perceived as quite functional, a difficult product to market successfully?

The Guardian

But change can be perceived as churn, forgoing consistency for the benefit of novelty.

The New York Times - Tech

"I know that I can be perceived as aloof or cold or unemotional," Clinton said.

The Guardian

Through the guise of comedy the real story can be perceived.

The New York Times

He's a quiet guy, laid back, which can be perceived as noncaring, aloof.

The New York Times - Sports

And I fully understand how this can be perceived in the wider world.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be perceived" when you want to express that something is capable of being noticed or understood by someone through their senses or intellect.

Common error

Avoid overusing the passive voice, including phrases like "can be perceived", as it can make your writing sound vague or less direct. Consider using active voice constructions for more impactful and clearer communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be perceived" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating the possibility of something being noticed or understood through the senses or intellect. Ludwig's examples show it's used to describe how various phenomena are capable of being experienced or understood.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be perceived" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as affirmed by Ludwig. It functions as a modal passive construction, conveying the potential for something to be noticed or understood. While versatile, it's essential to consider whether an active voice construction might offer greater clarity and impact. The phrase finds common usage in "News & Media" and "Science", making it suitable for neutral and formal communication styles. Remember to choose synonyms like "may be noticed" or "might be detected" based on the precise nuance you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be noticed

Replaces "perceived" with "noticed", focusing on observation but slightly diminishes the interpretative aspect.

might be detected

Substitutes "perceived" with "detected", implying a discovery or identification, often through specific methods.

could be sensed

Replaces "perceived" with "sensed", emphasizing the sensory experience rather than intellectual understanding.

is capable of being observed

More formal and elaborate, emphasizing the capability of observation rather than the direct act of perceiving.

can be understood

Shifts focus from sensory input to cognitive comprehension, altering the original meaning slightly.

may be interpreted

Highlights the subjective nature of perception, emphasizing that it involves assigning meaning.

is potentially recognized

Emphasizes the potential for recognition, implying that something might not always be perceived.

can be felt

Focuses specifically on tactile or emotional perception, limiting the scope to feelings.

can be gathered

Suggests that information is collected or inferred, rather than directly perceived.

can be seen

Focuses solely on visual perception, neglecting other senses or forms of understanding.

FAQs

How to use "can be perceived" in a sentence?

Use "can be perceived" to indicate that something is capable of being noticed or understood. For example, "The aroma of freshly baked bread "can be perceived" from blocks away".

What can I say instead of "can be perceived"?

Alternatives include "may be noticed", "might be detected", or "could be sensed", depending on the context.

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

While "can be perceived" is grammatically correct, using the active voice can often make your writing more direct and engaging. Consider rephrasing to use active constructions where appropriate.

What's the difference between "can be perceived" and "can be interpreted"?

"Can be perceived" implies a sensory or intellectual awareness, while "can be interpreted" suggests assigning a particular meaning or significance to something. Perception is the initial awareness, while interpretation is the subsequent understanding.