could be regarded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be regarded" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing opinions, interpretations, or perspectives on a subject or situation. Example: "This artwork could be regarded as a reflection of contemporary societal issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He could be regarded as an ombudsman," Mr. Sillar said.

The New York Times

Jobs could be regarded as a benign dictator.

The Guardian - Tech

It could be regarded as conduct unbecoming the European champions.

The Guardian - Sport

Now the resulting spill could be regarded as a warning.

The New York Times

Back then rodent infestations could be regarded as serious household threats.

The New York Times - Arts

Such eschewing of responsibility could be regarded as a running theme.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It could be regarded as a step in the direction of flight".

The New York Times

By all rights, he could be regarded as a premier starting pitcher.

The New York Times - Sports

"Far more detail and evidence is needed before the project could be regarded as environmentally acceptable.

The Guardian - Business

Anyone helping them to do so could be regarded as facilitating illegal immigration.

The Guardian

But Mandelson went much further in defining the reforms that could be regarded as necessary.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could be regarded" to introduce a perspective or interpretation, especially when presenting an argument or analysis.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on passive constructions like "could be regarded" as it can make your writing sound vague. Consider using active voice where appropriate for a more direct and impactful tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be regarded" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating possibility or potential for a specific interpretation or assessment. It introduces subjective viewpoints, as demonstrated by Ludwig examples where something "could be regarded as environmentally acceptable" or as "a purely statistical representation". Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

27%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could be regarded" functions as a versatile modal verb phrase used to introduce potential interpretations or viewpoints. As Ludwig AI states, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Its prevalence in scientific articles, news reports, and formal business communications signals a neutral to formal register. When using "could be regarded", ensure you are presenting a reasoned perspective rather than stating an absolute fact. Consider alternatives like "might be considered" or "may be viewed as" to fine-tune the nuance of your statement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be considered

Changes the modal verb from "could" to "might", suggesting a slightly lower degree of certainty.

may be viewed as

Replaces "regarded" with "viewed", emphasizing a particular perspective or interpretation.

can be seen as

Uses "can" instead of "could", implying a general possibility rather than a specific instance.

might be deemed

Substitutes "regarded" with "deemed", suggesting a more formal or official judgment.

could be interpreted as

Explicitly states the act of interpretation, focusing on the subjective understanding.

may be understood as

Similar to "interpreted as", but emphasizes comprehension and understanding.

might be perceived as

Focuses on the perception of something, suggesting a sensory or emotional interpretation.

can be characterized as

Emphasizes the categorization or classification of something based on its attributes.

could be classified as

Similar to "characterized as", but with a more formal and structured classification.

may be labeled as

Focuses on the act of assigning a specific label or name to something.

FAQs

How to use "could be regarded" in a sentence?

The phrase "could be regarded" is used to express a possibility or a way in which something can be viewed or interpreted. For instance, "This decision "could be regarded" as a turning point" suggests that the decision has the potential to be seen as significant.

What can I say instead of "could be regarded"?

You can use alternatives like "might be considered", "may be viewed as", or "can be seen as" depending on the context. For example, instead of "His actions "could be regarded" as heroic", you could say "His actions "might be considered" heroic".

Is "could be regarded as" grammatically correct?

Yes, "could be regarded as" is grammatically correct. The phrase correctly uses a modal verb ("could") with a passive construction ("be regarded") and the preposition "as" to link the subject to its interpretation. This construction is commonly used in formal writing.

What's the difference between "could be regarded as" and "should be regarded as"?

"Could be regarded as" indicates a possibility or potential interpretation, whereas "should be regarded as" expresses an opinion or recommendation on how something ought to be viewed. The former is descriptive, while the latter is prescriptive.