cannot be regarded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be regarded" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing that something should not be considered or viewed in a particular way. Example: "This evidence cannot be regarded as conclusive proof of the theory."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It cannot be regarded as beyond reproach.

The Guardian

These individuals cannot be regarded to represent science in Korea.

The New York Times - Science

Dubord, however, cannot be regarded as a weak candidate.

The New York Times

"Mr. Meri's defense position is that he cannot be regarded as an accomplice of the K.G.B".

The New York Times

Leaving early cannot be regarded as being rude to the cast.

The Guardian

We believe that communities cannot be regarded as the problem, but part of the solution.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human Rights Watch also said Turkey cannot be regarded as a safe country of asylum.

The Guardian

These appointments confirm that he cannot be regarded as a president like any other.

The Guardian - Opinion

It cannot be regarded as anything other than a substantial asset for Scotland".

The Guardian

Free time, as conventionally defined, cannot be regarded in this discussion as synonymous with leisure.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He argued it "cannot be regarded as threatening, destabilising or disruptive".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot be regarded", ensure that the statement is supported by evidence or logical reasoning to strengthen your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be regarded" in casual conversation or informal writing where simpler alternatives like "should not be considered" or "shouldn't be seen as" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be regarded" functions as a passive construction used to express a prohibition or negation of a particular viewpoint or assessment. It indicates that something should not be considered or viewed in a specific way. As Ludwig AI explains, it's a way to firmly state a reasoned judgment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot be regarded" is a passive construction that expresses a firm and reasoned judgment that something should not be considered or viewed in a particular way. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It's commonly used in formal contexts, such as academic papers, news articles, and professional reports, as revealed by its frequent appearance in sources like scientific journals and news media. While it's appropriate for formal settings, simpler alternatives like "should not be considered" may be more suitable for casual conversation. When using this phrase, it's essential to provide evidence or logical reasoning to support your claim. This phrase is highly versatile, as demonstrated by numerous examples found by Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should not be considered

Changes the verb from "regarded" to "considered", offering a slightly more direct and common alternative.

must not be viewed as

Replaces "regarded" with "viewed" and adds "must not" for a stronger sense of prohibition.

cannot be deemed

Substitutes "regarded" with "deemed", implying a more formal judgment or assessment.

should not be seen as

Uses "seen as" instead of "regarded", providing a simpler and more accessible alternative.

cannot be interpreted as

Replaces "regarded" with "interpreted", emphasizing the act of understanding or explaining something.

cannot be looked upon as

Uses "looked upon as", offering a more descriptive and less formal alternative to "regarded".

is not to be considered

Expresses the idea that something should not be taken into account or treated in a certain way.

is not to be thought of as

Suggests that something shouldn't be conceived or imagined in a particular manner.

is not to be understood as

Implies that a specific interpretation or meaning should not be attributed to something.

cannot be characterized as

Replaces "regarded" with "characterized", focusing on the description or classification of something.

FAQs

What does "cannot be regarded" mean?

The phrase "cannot be regarded" means something should not be considered or viewed in a particular way. It is used to express a reasoned judgment or conclusion.

What can I say instead of "cannot be regarded"?

You can use alternatives like "should not be considered", "must not be viewed as", or "cannot be deemed" depending on the context.

How formal is the phrase "cannot be regarded"?

The phrase "cannot be regarded" is relatively formal. It is more suitable for academic, professional, or formal writing than for casual conversation.

Is it correct to say "cannot be regarded as"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "cannot be regarded as". The "as" is often included to specify the particular way in which something should not be considered.