can be perceived as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be perceived as" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to make an inference based on how something can be seen or interpreted. For example, "The officers' behavior can be perceived as aggressive by the civilians."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When women ask for raises, they can be perceived as demanding.

Huffington Post

Total median scores of 6,5 or higher can be perceived as being motivated.

Child and Youth Care Forum

Not punishing can be perceived as rewarding toxicity.

The Washington Post

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

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

The New York Times - Sports

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be perceived as" to introduce an interpretation that might not be universally shared but is reasonable given certain perspectives or contexts. This acknowledges subjectivity and avoids making definitive statements.

Common error

Avoid using "can be perceived as" when the interpretation is universally negative or clearly incorrect. For example, saying "honesty can be perceived as deceit" without significant contextual justification undermines the phrase's credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be perceived as" functions as a hedge, softening claims by indicating that a particular interpretation is possible but not necessarily definitive. It's commonly used to introduce subjective viewpoints or potential understandings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

36%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can be perceived as" is a versatile phrase used to introduce subjective interpretations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It functions as a hedge, softening claims by presenting them as potential viewpoints rather than definitive statements. The phrase is common across diverse contexts, including News & Media and Science, and offers numerous alternatives like "can be seen as" and "can be interpreted as". When employing this phrase, ensure the interpretation is reasonable and not universally negative to maintain credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be seen as

Focuses on the visual aspect of interpretation, emphasizing how something appears to others.

can be interpreted as

Highlights the act of assigning meaning, suggesting a more active role in understanding.

can be regarded as

Implies a formal or considered assessment, suggesting a degree of respect or importance.

can be understood as

Emphasizes comprehension and making sense of something, rather than just surface-level perception.

might be viewed as

Introduces a sense of possibility or speculation, indicating a less certain interpretation.

could be considered as

Suggests a more thoughtful and deliberate evaluation, often used in formal contexts.

may be deemed as

Indicates a formal judgment or official assessment, often carrying legal or authoritative weight.

has the potential to be seen as

Highlights the inherent possibility of a particular perception, focusing on potential future interpretations.

is liable to be perceived as

Emphasizes the likelihood of a certain interpretation, suggesting a strong tendency or predisposition.

runs the risk of being seen as

Highlights the potential negative consequences of a particular perception, focusing on potential harm or criticism.

FAQs

How do I use "can be perceived as" in a sentence?

Use "can be perceived as" to introduce a subjective interpretation or potential viewpoint. For example, "His silence "can be perceived as" agreement, though he may disagree internally."

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

You can use alternatives like "can be seen as", "can be interpreted as", or "can be regarded as" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "can be perceived as" or "can be perceive as"?

"Can be perceived as" is the correct form. "Perceived" is the past participle of the verb "perceive" and is required after "be" to form the passive voice.

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

"Can be perceived as" suggests a potential or possible interpretation, while "is perceived as" indicates a current, existing perception. The former is more tentative, while the latter implies a recognized reality.