Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
cannot be clearly seen
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "cannot be clearly seen" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that is not easily visible or discernible, often due to factors like distance, lighting, or obstructions. Example: "The details of the painting cannot be clearly seen from the back of the room."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Encyclopedias
Alternative expressions(2)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
10 human-written examples
The costs of Mr Obama's humility, unlike those of George W. Bush's hubris, cannot be clearly seen; lost opportunities are hard to measure.
News & Media
This is because the original image has an excessive contrast such that details in the shadow and highlight areas cannot be clearly seen.
In MRI image, we observe the soft tissue like the membranes covering the brain can be clearly seen but the hard tissue like the skull bones cannot be clearly seen.
The clearly identified displacement boundary terminates around the position of 124.13°E, 10.01°N, and large ground movement cannot be clearly seen farther northeast (line 4 in Figure 4a).
Science
On the other hand, heat transfer enhancement of nanoparticles on h cannot be clearly seen, as shown in Figure 6b; there is only a 5%to15%5% increase for Ag nanofluids for some q″ while the CHF does not.
Science
The internal structure cannot be clearly seen due to the larger particle size of the microspheres, which cannot be broken down by electron beam from transmission electron microscopy [18].
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
50 human-written examples
From the upper graph, it can be clearly seen that traditional SNR quality measure cannot efficiently cope with the interference.
As is clearly seen, eigenvalues cannot be computed explicitly.
Science
end{aligned} end{aligned} (5.47) The eigenvalues are the solutions of the equation Omega(lambda)=2lambdacos [2lambda+1 ]- bigl(lambda ^{2}-1 bigr)sin [2lambda+1 ]. (5.48) As is clearly seen, eigenvalues cannot be computed explicitly.
Science
As is clearly seen, the eigenvalues cannot be computed explicitly.
Science
After the analysis of test results, it is clearly seen that the current metro system cannot be considered as a comfortable system.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "cannot be clearly seen", ensure the context provides a reason for the lack of clarity, such as distance, obstruction, or poor lighting.
Common error
Avoid using "cannot be clearly seen" without explaining why something is not visible. Providing context enhances clarity and prevents confusion.
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "cannot be clearly seen" functions as a passive construction, indicating that something is not easily or distinctly visible. Ludwig examples show its use in describing obscured images, unclear details, or the limitations of visual perception.
Frequent in
Science
60%
News & Media
30%
Encyclopedias
10%
Less common in
Wiki
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "cannot be clearly seen" functions to express that something lacks visual clarity, making it difficult to perceive. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is grammatically correct and most commonly found in science and news reporting. While "cannot be clearly seen" is an effective phrase, remember to provide context to explain why something lacks clarity. Consider alternatives like "is not readily visible" or "is difficult to perceive" for variety. Overall, while a bit uncommon, it's a solid choice for precise descriptions of visual limitations.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
is not readily visible
Replaces 'clearly seen' with 'readily visible' to emphasize the ease of visibility.
is not easily discernible
Substitutes 'clearly seen' with 'easily discernible' focusing on the difficulty in distinguishing the object.
is difficult to perceive
Replaces 'clearly seen' with 'difficult to perceive', highlighting the challenge in sensory perception.
is not apparent
Uses 'not apparent' instead of 'cannot be clearly seen' to indicate a lack of obviousness.
is obscured from view
Replaces the phrase with a description of something being hidden or blocked.
lacks visual clarity
Focuses on the absence of clarity in the visual aspect, replacing 'cannot be clearly seen'.
is imperceptible to the eye
Emphasizes the inability to see something with the naked eye, replacing 'cannot be clearly seen'.
is not visually distinct
Highlights the lack of visual distinction, making it difficult to differentiate.
escapes visual detection
Indicates that something avoids being visually detected, replacing 'cannot be clearly seen'.
is veiled from sight
Suggests that something is covered or hidden, making it impossible to be clearly seen.
FAQs
How can I use "cannot be clearly seen" in a sentence?
Use "cannot be clearly seen" to describe something that is not easily visible or discernible. For example: "The details of the artifact "cannot be clearly seen" due to the poor lighting."
What can I say instead of "cannot be clearly seen"?
You can use alternatives like "is not readily visible", "is not easily discernible", or "is difficult to perceive" depending on the context.
Which is correct, "cannot be clearly seen" or "cannot be seen clearly"?
"Cannot be clearly seen" is generally preferred as it maintains a more formal and grammatically sound structure compared to "cannot be seen clearly", although both are understandable.
What's the difference between "cannot be clearly seen" and "is not visible"?
"Cannot be clearly seen" implies there might be something present but hard to make out, whereas "is not visible" suggests that something is completely absent or impossible to see.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested