can be seen

USAGE SUMMARY

"can be seen" is a perfectly acceptable phrase used in written English.
You can use it to indicate something is visible. For example: The beautiful mountain range can be seen from miles away.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nevertheless, glimmerings can be seen.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That can be seen here.

The New York Times

A few rarities can be seen.

The New York Times - Arts

(The entire series can be seen here).

The New Yorker

More photographs can be seen at newyorker.com.

The New Yorker

(ER notes can be seen here).

The New York Times

Their faces can be seen clearly now.

The New York Times

By midday, few people can be seen.

Independent

The results can be seen here.

The New York Times

(A video can be seen on Medici.tv).

The New Yorker

And they can be seen almost instantaneously.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be seen" to describe something that is visually apparent or easily observable. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While "can be seen" is grammatically correct, overuse of passive voice can make your writing sound weak. Consider rephrasing to use active voice for a more direct and engaging style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be seen" functions primarily as a passive construction indicating that something is observable or detectable. It highlights the possibility of visual perception or discovery. This is confirmed by Ludwig, which shows many examples across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

28%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be seen" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to denote visual observability or detectability. Ludwig's AI analysis confirms that it's a common phrase with a neutral register, suitable for diverse contexts ranging from news and media to academia and science. While generally acceptable, it's beneficial to be mindful of overusing passive voice and to consider active voice alternatives for more impactful writing. As Ludwig shows, numerous authoritative sources employ "can be seen", solidifying its place in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is visible

Direct synonym focusing on the state of being able to be seen.

is apparent

Emphasizes that something is easily noticeable or obvious.

is noticeable

Highlights that something attracts attention.

can be observed

Focuses on the act of watching and detecting something, often in a scientific context.

can be detected

Highlights the capability of being discovered, often through specific methods or tools.

is discernible

Indicates that something can be perceived or distinguished.

is perceptible

Focuses on the ability to be noticed through the senses.

is on display

Suggests that something is intentionally presented for viewing.

is in view

Indicates that something is within the range of sight.

is brought to light

Suggests something is revealed or made known, not necessarily visually.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "can be seen" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "is discernible" or "is apparent", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What are some synonyms for "can be seen" in academic writing?

In academic contexts, you might use "can be observed", "can be detected", or "is evident" to maintain a scholarly tone.

Is it better to use active or passive voice when using "can be seen"?

While "can be seen" is in the passive voice and grammatically correct, using the active voice often results in stronger, more direct writing. Consider rephrasing the sentence to use an active verb when appropriate.

What's the difference between "can be seen" and "is visible"?

"Can be seen" implies the potential for something to be observed, whereas "is visible" states a current state of being able to be seen. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the potential or the current state.