could be seen

USAGE SUMMARY

"could be seen" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is visible or perceivable, for example: "The edge of the cliffs could be seen in the distance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nothing could be seen.

The New Yorker

Cars could be seen floating south.

The New York Times

No tattoos could be seen.

The New York Times

This could be seen as good news.

The Guardian

Soldiers could be seen digging bunkers.

The New York Times

It could be seen that way.

The New York Times - Arts

It could be seen as purest camp.

The Guardian - Film

Nazism could be seen that way.

The New Yorker

It could be seen floating upside down.

The New York Times

Engineers could be seen deactivating mines.

The New York Times

Very few people could be seen.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could be seen" to indicate potential visibility or a possible interpretation of a situation. It's useful when you want to convey that something is not immediately obvious but is still within the realm of possibility.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on passive constructions like "could be seen" as it can make your writing sound less direct and engaging. Sometimes, an active voice construction can provide clarity and impact. For example, instead of "The solution could be seen as ideal", consider "Many viewed the solution as ideal".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be seen" functions as a modal verb phrase, indicating possibility or potential visibility. It combines the modal verb 'could' with the passive voice construction 'be seen', suggesting that something has the capacity to be observed or perceived. Ludwig AI confirms that "could be seen" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

43%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could be seen" is a versatile modal verb phrase used to indicate potential visibility or interpretation. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for use. Its prevalence in both news media and scientific literature, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples, underscores its broad applicability. When using the phrase, be mindful of overusing passive voice and consider alternative constructions for more direct and impactful writing. Alternatives like "can be observed" or "is potentially visible" can offer subtle shifts in meaning. While grammatically correct, its best to check if your writing sounds more natural without it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be observed

Emphasizes direct observation as opposed to potential visibility.

is visible

States a direct state of being visible, omitting the modal verb.

might be noticed

Implies a lower probability of perception than "could be seen".

may be detected

Suggests a more technical or scientific form of observation.

is potentially visible

Highlights the potential rather than the certainty of being seen.

can be distinguished

Focuses on the ability to differentiate something visually.

is liable to be seen

Indicates a likelihood of being seen, often unintentionally.

may be interpreted as

Shifts the focus from visibility to potential interpretation.

might be considered

Suggests that something is worthy of consideration.

is regarded as

Implies an assessment by other people.

FAQs

How can I use "could be seen" in a sentence?

"Could be seen" indicates potential visibility or a possible interpretation. For example, "The mountains could be seen in the distance" or "His actions "could be interpreted as" a sign of weakness".

What's the difference between "could be seen" and "is visible"?

"Could be seen" suggests a possibility or potential, while "is visible" states a fact. "The island could be seen" means it was potentially visible, while "The island is visible" means it is currently, undeniably seen.

What are some alternatives to "could be seen"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "can be observed", "might be noticed", or "is potentially visible".

Is "could be seen" formal or informal?

"Could be seen" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although overuse might make writing seem less direct. It is widely used in journalism, scientific writing, and everyday conversation.