historically considered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "historically considered" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing how something has been viewed or interpreted in the past. Example: "The painting is historically considered a masterpiece of the Renaissance era."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But men are often stigmatized for fulfilling traditional female responsibilities, historically considered a gendered obligation rather than a productive contribution.

The New York Times

Protestants have historically considered the police as their protectors against the Irish Republican Army, while Catholics have suffered routine harassment and worse.

The New York Times

Sunnis historically considered worldly success as a sign of Allah's favor; political engagement and empire-building have been religious callings for them.

The New York Times - Books

Cinema has historically considered itself superior to television, with executives and critics frequently sneering that a movie or documentary has a "made-for-TV" feel.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

San Franciscans have historically considered their city to be laissez-faire and open-minded, which is probably why homosexuals have felt comfortable there.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"The result may be that funds that we would really consider within the sweet spot of what people have historically considered venture capital wouldn't qualify".

The New York Times

During the mid-1990s, people in what were historically considered the prime working ages, 25 to 54, made up as much as 72 percent of the work force.

The New York Times

As housing pressures have increased, areas historically considered less than desirable for residential purposes, like the textile manufacturing zones of central Mumbai, have become acceptable.

The New York Times

WASHINGTON — Education was historically considered a great equalizer in American society, capable of lifting less advantaged children and improving their chances for success as adults.

The New York Times

"In the 10 years hence, Gujarat has been unaffected by any riots of any nature despite the occurrence of events historically considered sufficiently provocative," he writes.

The New York Times

The report, by H. Marshall Jarrett, who leads the department's Office of Professional Responsibility, would be the first accounting for legal advice that endorsed interrogation techniques historically considered by the United States and other Western countries to be illegal torture.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "historically considered" to introduce a contrasting viewpoint or a shift in understanding over time, emphasizing the evolution of thought or practice.

Common error

Avoid using "historically considered" without adequately explaining the historical context. Readers need to understand the basis for the past view to appreciate its significance and the reasons for any changes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "historically considered" functions as a verbal phrase used to introduce a viewpoint, fact, or method that was accepted or prominent in the past but may not be so today. Ludwig shows many examples across different domains where this expression is used to highlight such shifts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

49%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "historically considered" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to denote a contrast between past and present understandings. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is most frequently found in news and scientific contexts, with a neutral register suitable for a broad audience. When employing this phrase, it's best practice to provide sufficient historical context and explain any shifts in perspective. Related phrases include "previously regarded" and "formerly viewed". By avoiding misinterpretations of historical contexts and ensuring clarity, writers can effectively leverage "historically considered" to enhance their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

previously regarded

Replaces "considered" with "regarded", emphasizing a past estimation or opinion.

historically perceived

Replaces "considered" with "perceived", highlighting the way something was sensed or understood in the past.

formerly viewed

Substitutes "considered" with "viewed", highlighting a past perspective or way of seeing something.

at one time considered

Highlights a specific period when the consideration was valid.

traditionally believed

Emphasizes that the consideration is rooted in tradition or long-held customs.

conventionally understood

Indicates that the consideration aligns with accepted norms or common understanding.

once thought of

Indicates a past belief or idea about something.

classically defined

Implies the consideration stems from a classic or standard definition.

in the past it was thought

Rephrases the concept to emphasize a shift from past thinking to present understanding.

in former times it was viewed

Rephrases to emphasize time and shift from past perspective to current understanding

FAQs

How can I use "historically considered" in a sentence?

Use "historically considered" to introduce a concept, idea, or practice that was once commonly accepted or understood in a particular way. For example, "Phrenology was historically considered a legitimate science, but it is now discredited".

What are some alternatives to "historically considered"?

You can use alternatives like "previously regarded", "formerly viewed", or "traditionally believed" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "historically considered" and "generally considered"?

"Historically considered" refers to a past viewpoint that may or may not be currently accepted, while "generally considered" implies a current widespread belief or understanding. The first emphasizes a temporal shift; the second, a contemporary consensus.

Is it correct to say "historically considered as"?

While not grammatically incorrect, "historically considered" is often followed directly by the thing being considered, without "as". For example, "It was historically considered the standard procedure" is more common than "It was historically considered as the standard procedure".