cannot be seen

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of sentence 'cannot be seen' is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to express that something is not visible or is hidden from view. Example sentence: The treasure was hidden so well that it could not be seen.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Testes cannot be seen without dissection.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The highway cannot be seen.

The New York Times

Azouli prison cannot be seen by civilians.

The Guardian

The screen cannot be seen from the Console.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Those with different views cannot be seen as enemies.

Stanford University

It cannot be seen with optical or x-ray telescopes.

MIT Technology Review

Whatever deal Britain gets cannot be seen to jeopardise that.

The Guardian

His remains, however, cannot be seen through the coffin.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Of course, something this small cannot be seen, touched, or sensed.

Vice

This effect cannot be seen by analyzing only the intensity distribution of the laser beam.

Optics Communications

It cannot be seen from Earth with the naked eye.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts or phenomena, use "cannot be seen" to emphasize their intangible nature. For example, "The impact of the policy changes cannot be seen immediately."

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be seen" in active voice constructions. The phrase is passive; rephrase to maintain grammatical correctness. Instead of "You cannot be seen", consider "You are invisible".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be seen" functions as a passive construction, indicating that something is incapable of being observed visually. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and widely accepted. This is evident in the examples provided, where the phrase describes physical invisibility, abstract imperceptibility, or technical undetectability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

23%

Science

16%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot be seen" is a versatile and grammatically correct passive construction used to indicate that something is not visible or perceptible. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted across diverse contexts, from describing physical invisibility to abstract imperceptibility. The analysis reveals its frequent use in News & Media, Academia, and Science, highlighting its neutral register and broad applicability. When writing, it's crucial to avoid using "cannot be seen" in active constructions and to consider more formal alternatives like "is imperceptible" or "is undetectable" for specific contexts. The phrase's prevalence underscores its importance in effectively communicating the absence of visibility in various forms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not visible

Emphasizes the lack of visibility.

is out of sight

Simply means not within the range of vision.

is imperceptible

Highlights the difficulty in perceiving something.

is undetectable

Focuses on the inability to detect something, often scientifically or technically.

is indiscernible

Similar to imperceptible, but may imply a lack of clarity or distinction.

remains hidden

Suggests something is deliberately or naturally concealed.

is not apparent

Indicates that something is not obvious or easily noticed.

escapes notice

Highlights that something is overlooked or goes unnoticed.

is shrouded in mystery

Implies something is concealed by obscurity or enigma.

is beyond perception

Stresses the limits of human or instrumental perception.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "cannot be seen" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "is imperceptible", "is undetectable", or "is not visible".

What does it mean when something "cannot be seen"?

It means that something is not visible, either because it is hidden, too small, or lacks the properties necessary to be perceived by sight. It can also apply to abstract concepts that are not immediately apparent.

Is "cannot be seen" the same as "cannot see"?

No, "cannot be seen" is in the passive voice, meaning someone or something is unable to be viewed by an observer. "Cannot see" is active voice, meaning the observer is unable to perceive something with their eyes.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "cannot be seen"?

It is appropriate in various contexts, from describing physical objects to abstract ideas. Examples include describing things too small to see with the naked eye, effects that are not immediately obvious, or entities that are hidden by nature or design.