had been regarded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "had been regarded" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a past perception or opinion about someone or something that existed before a certain point in time. Example: "For many years, she had been regarded as the leading expert in her field."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But Germany had been regarded as a comparatively "clean" democracy.

The New York Times

One of his former sergeants testified that he had been regarded as a model soldier.

The New York Times

Heretofore, the sacred book had been regarded as the uncreated, eternal word of God.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Previously, Mujuru had been regarded as a possible successor as president.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Small-calibre guns, like Gerald Ung's.380-calibre, had been regarded as a joke.

The New Yorker

"For ten years he had been regarded as a winner in Washington.

The New Yorker

Bailey had been regarded as potential replacement for Mark Carney, governor of the Bank of England.

The Guardian - Business

They had been regarded as among the best preserved in Britain.

The Guardian - Arts

Until its publication, he had been regarded as an obscure poet.

The Guardian

Mr. Bagaza, 41 years old, had been regarded as a peacemaker in one of Africa's most bitter tribal conflicts.

The New York Times

Mr. Obuchi had been regarded as the front-runner, and the yen actually gained against the dollar after his election.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "had been regarded" to clearly indicate a past perception that may or may not still be current. This is especially useful when contrasting past beliefs with present realities.

Common error

Avoid using "had been regarded" when simply stating a current perception. "Is regarded" is more appropriate for present-day views, reserving "had been regarded" for instances where the perspective has shifted or changed over time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "had been regarded" functions as a passive construction indicating a past perception or opinion. It shows how someone or something was viewed before a certain point in time. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage, showcasing examples from various sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Encyclopedias

23%

Science

18%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "had been regarded" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that indicates a past perception or opinion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's valuable for contrasting past views with present realities, particularly in news, encyclopedic entries and scientific articles. When writing, remember to use it when describing perspectives that existed before a specific point in the past. To provide clarity, don't mix up with "was regarded" and "has been regarded". Alternatives like "was considered" or "was viewed as" can be used to convey similar meanings with slight nuance differences. In essence, understanding the proper context for "had been regarded" enhances the precision and depth of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was considered

Direct synonym, replacing the passive voice with a more active construction while maintaining the core meaning.

was viewed as

Focuses on the act of viewing or perceiving something in a certain way.

was deemed to be

Implies a formal judgment or assessment of something's qualities or status.

was known as

Highlights a widespread or public recognition of someone or something.

was thought of as

Emphasizes the subjective nature of the opinion or belief.

was looked upon as

Suggests a particular attitude or feeling associated with the perception.

was reputed to be

Indicates that the perception is based on hearsay or general reputation.

was esteemed as

Highlights a high level of respect or admiration associated with the perception.

was held to be

Similar to "deemed to be" but often implies a more traditional or established view.

was understood as

Focuses on the comprehension or interpretation of something.

FAQs

How can I use "had been regarded" in a sentence?

Use "had been regarded" to describe how something or someone was viewed in the past, often contrasting with a current view. For example, "She "had been regarded" as an amateur, but she proved them wrong".

What are some alternatives to saying "had been regarded"?

Alternatives include "was considered", "was viewed as", or "was deemed to be", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "has been regarded" instead of "had been regarded"?

The correct tense depends on the context. "Has been regarded" describes something that started in the past and continues to the present, while "had been regarded" refers to a past perception that may no longer be true.

What's the difference between "was regarded" and "had been regarded"?

"Was regarded" describes a past state or opinion, while "had been regarded" indicates a past state that existed before another point in the past. The latter implies a sequence of events or a change in perspective.