could well be seen

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could well be seen" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to suggest that something is likely to be perceived or interpreted in a certain way. Example: "The changes in policy could well be seen as a response to public demand for transparency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

On an aggressively conservative Court like the current one, that relative silence could well be seen as an invitation to dismantle the practice.

The New Yorker

London-based barrister, Richard Colbey of Lamb Chambers, said he thought Apple's bricking policy could well be seen as an offence under the Criminal Damage Act 1971, which makes it an offence to intentionally destroy the property of another.

The Guardian - Tech

The meal, with a handful of people who have given money to the group challenging the ban, could well be seen as the opening maneuver in the second act of the saga of Proposition 8, which both sides expect to wind its way up the federal judicial food chain, most likely all the way to the Supreme Court.

The New York Times

He then took control of the process which reached the inevitable conclusion in 2004 that the benefits of joining were so far neither clear nor unambiguous.In short, Mr Balls could well be seen as joint architect of the macroeconomic stability of which the government has been able to boast even when other things were going wrong.

The Economist

The Tour de France's visits to Mont Ventoux are rare enough to lend a special quality to any victory at the vertiginous finish adjacent to the observatory, but if Chris Froome does survive the final week's racing through the Alps to win the 100th edition of the race, his solo triumph on top of the Giant of Provence could well be seen as the high point.

The Guardian - Sport

Although reductions of about one-quarter or one-third could well be seen by 2030, halving global mortality in this age range will take longer.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

"We could well be seeing the first signs of households altering their behavior in the face of large capital losses in their investment and real estate portfolios, a deteriorating labor market and tight credit," Joshua Shapiro, chief domestic economist at the research firm MFR, wrote in a note to clients.

The New York Times

It could very well be seen as a vacation for my physical body -- time off work, afternoon naps, catching up on reading but mentally it's been a battle within.

Huffington Post

It could as well be seen as obstructing efforts by the District Authorities of Clarens to establish cordial cross-border relations with Lesotho Chiefs through regular meetings and exchange of experiences.

Human Ecology

A research team of three or four Arab-Americans, she said, could just as well be seen as pawns of an institution or tokens.

The New York Times - Arts

These last works, drained of color and fixed in place by the white border, have been interpreted … as expressions of despair or premonitions of death, but they could just as well be seen as renewed efforts to escape.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could well be seen" to express a likely interpretation or perception, especially when you want to convey a sense of possibility grounded in reasonable evidence. For example, "His actions could well be seen as a breach of contract."

Common error

Avoid using "could well be seen" when you intend to assert a definitive conclusion. This phrase is best suited for suggesting a plausible interpretation, not stating an absolute fact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could well be seen" functions as a modal construction indicating possibility or likelihood. It suggests a potential interpretation or perception of something. Examples in Ludwig show its use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "could well be seen" is a useful tool for expressing a likely interpretation or perception. As Ludwig AI notes, it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, although it appears more frequently in news and media. When writing, use "could well be seen" to suggest a reasonable viewpoint, but avoid using it to state definitive facts. Alternatives such as "might reasonably be viewed" or "is likely to be perceived" can offer similar meanings with slight shifts in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is likely to be perceived

Rephrases using "is likely", focusing on the probability of a specific perception.

could easily be considered

Emphasizes the ease with which something might be viewed in a certain way.

might reasonably be viewed

Replaces "could well" with "might reasonably", softening the assertion of likelihood.

might justifiably be interpreted

Suggests that a specific interpretation is reasonable and well-founded.

may plausibly be regarded

Substitutes "could well" with "may plausibly", adding a sense of reasoned consideration.

can readily be understood

Focuses on the ease and accessibility of understanding something in a specific light.

could legitimately be deemed

Indicates that a particular judgment or assessment would be valid.

is potentially seen

Simplifies the phrase to highlight the potential for a particular perception.

may fairly be evaluated

Suggests an unbiased and equitable assessment is possible.

could conceivably be imagined

Introduces an element of possibility, even if remote, in how something might be seen.

FAQs

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

Use "could well be seen" to suggest a reasonable or likely interpretation of something. For example, "The company's decision "could well be seen" as a sign of financial instability".

What are some alternatives to "could well be seen"?

Alternatives include phrases like "might reasonably be viewed", "is likely to be perceived", or "could easily be considered", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "could well be seen" formal or informal?

"Could well be seen" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its acceptability stems from its usage in news media, academic papers, and general discourse.

What is the difference between "could well be seen" and "is seen"?

"Could well be seen" suggests a possibility or likelihood, while "is seen" implies that something is currently perceived in a particular way. The former indicates a potential interpretation, while the latter states an existing one.