could not be seen

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could not be seen" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not visible or cannot be observed in a particular context. Example: "The stars were so faint that they could not be seen through the thick clouds."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

A weapon could not be seen in the images.

Independent

The faces of the women could not be seen.

The New York Times

They could not be seen, to preserve their anonymity.

The Guardian

But when they reached the country, they encountered women whose bodies could not be seen.

The New Yorker

"The American went in a burqa with women so that he could not be seen".

The New York Times

She could not be seen to be forcing him out of office, without alienating his supporters.

The Economist

The Blaschka models also provide a way to see what otherwise could not be seen.

The New York Times - Science

As such, "it could not be seen as an explicit warning about Lewis".

The Guardian

The environmentalist could not be seen to be ignorant on the subject of ursine eating habits.

The New York Times - Books

In the shadows of the balcony the dark faces of these people could not be seen.

The New Yorker

They could not be seen to accept some parts of it but not others," Sauven said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could not be seen", ensure that the context clearly indicates why the subject was not visible, providing specific details if necessary.

Common error

Avoid using "could not be seen" excessively in passive voice constructions. Active voice often provides a clearer and more direct description. Instead of "The solution could not be seen", consider "They could not see the solution".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could not be seen" functions as a modal passive construction. It indicates the inability to observe something due to various reasons. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase describes a lack of visibility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could not be seen" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate the inability to visually perceive something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news and scientific writing. It is crucial to ensure clarity when using this phrase, specifying why something was not visible. Alternatives such as "was not visible" or "remained hidden" can provide nuanced variations. While versatile, avoiding overuse in passive constructions enhances writing clarity. With authoritative sources backing its usage, "could not be seen" remains a reliable choice for expressing a lack of visibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was not visible

Replaces the modal verb construction with a simple past tense and adjective.

was undetectable

Focuses on the inability to detect something, implying it's not just unseen but also unmeasurable.

remained hidden

Highlights the state of being concealed or not in view.

was imperceptible

Emphasizes that something was so subtle it could not be noticed.

escaped notice

Indicates that something was not observed or paid attention to.

went unnoticed

Similar to "escaped notice", suggesting a lack of attention.

was obscured

Implies that something was blocked from view.

was concealed

Similar to remained hidden but highlights the act of hiding something.

was out of sight

Indicates a physical position where something is not visible.

eluded observation

Formal way to say that something avoided being seen or detected.

FAQs

How can I use "could not be seen" in a sentence?

Use "could not be seen" to describe something that was not visible or detectable, such as "The ship "could not be seen" through the fog".

What are some alternatives to "could not be seen"?

You can use alternatives like "was not visible", "was undetectable", or "remained hidden" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "could not be seen" or "cannot be seen"?

"Could not be seen" is used for past events or hypothetical situations, while "cannot be seen" is for present or general situations. For example, "The evidence "could not be seen" at the time", but "The evidence "cannot be seen" now".

What's the difference between "could not be seen" and "was not seen"?

"Could not be seen" implies an inability to see something, possibly due to obstruction or faintness. "Was not seen" simply states that something was not observed, without necessarily implying why.