can be viewed as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be viewed as" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to suggest the possibility of interpreting something in a certain way. For example: "The economic trends of the past few years can be viewed as a sign of a coming recession."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It can be viewed as a positive.

The New York Times - Sports

Hopefully, it can be viewed as constructive".

The New York Times

The gazebo can be viewed as sculpture.

The New York Times

"In a way we can be viewed as hypocritical ourselves.

The New York Times

Both can be viewed as demonstrations of free-market principles.

The New Yorker

Reduction can be viewed as the reverse of oxidation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

So, MSGEP can be viewed as SCFPP.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

So, MSGEP can be viewed as SCFPP.  .

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

S can be viewed as a bivariate probability density function.

Journal of Contaminant Hydrology

These models can be viewed as simplified models.

Composite Structures

The first can be viewed as a physical rotation.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be viewed as" to introduce an interpretation or perspective that may not be the only one, but is a valid way of understanding the subject.

Common error

Avoid using "can be viewed as" excessively in a single text. Vary your language by using synonyms like "can be seen as", "may be considered as", or "can be regarded as" to make your writing more dynamic and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be viewed as" functions as a hedging expression, softening a claim by presenting it as one possible interpretation among others. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its use in offering perspectives across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

49%

News & Media

23%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be viewed as" is a versatile expression used to introduce a particular interpretation or perspective. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various domains, including science, news, and formal writing. It functions as a hedging expression, suggesting a viewpoint without asserting it as the definitive truth. While suitable for formal contexts, its register is generally neutral. To avoid overuse, synonyms like "can be seen as" or "may be considered as" can enhance writing style and engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be seen as

Uses 'seen' instead of 'viewed', offering a slightly more common synonym.

may be considered as

Employs 'considered' to suggest a formal evaluation or judgment instead of 'viewed'.

can be regarded as

Replaces 'viewed' with 'regarded', indicating a certain level of respect or esteem.

can be interpreted as

Substitutes 'viewed' with 'interpreted' focusing on decoding or understanding meaning.

can be understood as

Replaces 'viewed' with 'understood' implying a deeper comprehension.

might be perceived as

Uses 'perceived' to highlight subjective understanding or impression, instead of 'viewed'.

could be characterized as

Employs 'characterized' to focus on classification or description.

is tantamount to

Expresses equivalence or near equivalence, replacing the suggestive nature of "can be viewed as".

effectively functions as

Focuses on the functional role or purpose, rather than interpretation.

shares characteristics with

Highlights shared traits instead of direct interpretation, suggesting a comparative aspect.

FAQs

How can I use "can be viewed as" in a sentence?

"Can be viewed as" introduces a possible interpretation or perspective. For example, "The company's restructuring can be viewed as a positive step towards efficiency".

What are some alternatives to "can be viewed as"?

Alternatives include "can be seen as", "may be considered as", "can be regarded as", or "might be perceived as", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "can be viewed as" or "can be seen as"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and largely interchangeable. The choice depends on personal preference or stylistic variation. "Can be seen as" is slightly more common, but "can be viewed as" is perfectly acceptable.

Can "can be viewed as" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "can be viewed as" is suitable for formal writing. It presents an interpretation in a professional and objective manner. Its usage depends on the context rather than the degree of formality required.