could be considered to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be considered to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to suggest an opinion or alternative perspective on something. For example, "The behavior of the student could be considered to be disrespectful."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In truth, both could be considered to have unfinished business.

The New York Times - Sports

Legally, the hospital argued, the baby could be considered to be trespassing.

The New York Times

The GUU has a history of what could be considered to be sexist practices.

Independent

(He could be considered to Brazilian jazz what the Cuban composer Chico O'Farrill was to Afro-Cuban jazz).

The New York Times

On the one hand, they seem to have what could be considered to be a number of disadvantages.

The Guardian

And neither could be considered to be the kind of breathtaking breakthrough expected of such a well-endowed laboratory.

The Economist

Several approaches could be considered to mitigate or suppress interference.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

On the surface, the project could be considered to have been successful.

Journal of Cleaner Production

Alternative analysis tools like non-linear multivariate regression could be considered to optimize attribute selection.

Brain Informatics

We analyze certain external factors that could be considered to be related to inefficiency.

Journal of Economic Structures

However, no cultivars could be considered to be low at both As and Cd.

Rice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could be considered to" to introduce a subjective assessment or alternative viewpoint. It's particularly useful when you want to present an opinion without stating it as an absolute fact.

Common error

Avoid excessive use of passive constructions with "could be considered to" which can make your writing sound vague and indirect. Instead, try rephrasing the sentence to highlight the actor or cause.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be considered to" functions as a modal verb phrase, expressing possibility or subjective evaluation. Ludwig examples show it's often used to introduce a viewpoint that isn't presented as an absolute fact, offering a nuanced perspective. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could be considered to" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to introduce subjective assessments or alternative viewpoints. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's perfectly acceptable in written English. Its prevalence in scientific and news media, as demonstrated by examples in Ludwig, indicates its suitability for formal and neutral registers. When using this phrase, aim for clarity and avoid overuse of passive voice. To enhance your writing, consider alternatives like "might be regarded as" or "may be deemed to be" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be regarded as

Replaces "considered" with "regarded", suggesting a slightly more formal tone.

may be deemed to be

Uses "deemed" instead of "considered", indicating a more official judgment or assessment.

could be seen as

Emphasizes the perspective from which something is viewed.

might be thought of as

Suggests a reflective or contemplative viewpoint.

can be interpreted as

Highlights the act of interpreting or understanding something in a particular way.

could be classified as

Focuses on categorizing or grouping something based on certain criteria.

may be looked upon as

Implies a specific attitude or opinion towards something.

can be perceived as

Stresses how something is understood or sensed by others.

might be assessed as

Indicates a formal evaluation or judgment.

may be characterized as

Focuses on describing the key traits or qualities of something.

FAQs

How can I use "could be considered to" in a sentence?

Use "could be considered to" to introduce a subjective assessment or alternative perspective. For example, "His actions "could be considered to be disrespectful"".

What are some alternatives to "could be considered to"?

You can use alternatives such as "might be regarded as", "may be deemed to be", or "could be seen as depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "could be considered to" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to present an opinion or assessment without stating it as an absolute truth. It indicates a degree of subjectivity or uncertainty.

Is there a difference between "could be considered to" and "should be considered to"?

Yes, "could be considered to" suggests a possibility or potential viewpoint, while "should be considered to" implies a recommendation or obligation to consider something.