is thought of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is thought of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing perceptions, opinions, or beliefs about a person, idea, or thing. Example: "He is thought of as a great leader by his peers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Maybe he is thought of as being older.

The New York Times - Sports

The film is thought of as a classic comedy.

The Guardian

DR. SYKES -- Pluto is thought of as a planet.

The New York Times - Science

But their behavior is thought of as symptoms of something else, rather than maturity".

The New York Times

The experience-series is thought of as a one-dimensional continuum.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Andrus is thought of as a gifted infielder who is prone to lapses.

The New York Times - Sports

The crystal is thought of as being made of numerous tiny blocks that are gradually removed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This is not something that is thought of even for a second in the piano world.

The New Yorker

Additionally, all of our money is thought of as shared money.

The New York Times

She had no friends at college, and is thought of as an "ice queen" or worse.

The New Yorker

"The Chinese government is thought of as being 'weak' by some," the newspaper wrote, pointedly.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is thought of" to convey common perceptions or beliefs about a subject, rather than stating definitive facts. It's particularly useful when the perception is not universally accepted.

Common error

Avoid overusing "is thought of" in formal or scientific writing where direct, assertive statements are preferred. Instead of 'The process is thought of as complex', opt for 'The process is complex' if the complexity is well-established.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is thought of" functions as a passive construction, indicating how a subject is perceived or considered by others. It showcases a general opinion or belief about the subject, without specifying who holds that opinion. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

39%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is thought of" is a versatile passive construction used to express general perceptions or beliefs. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across diverse contexts, particularly in news, science, and general knowledge domains. While "is thought of" maintains a neutral register suitable for most writing, it's important to consider more assertive alternatives in formal settings. By understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate usage, writers can effectively convey nuanced perceptions and beliefs while avoiding common pitfalls.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is regarded as

Replaces 'thought' with 'regarded', emphasizing a formal assessment or estimation.

is considered to be

Substitutes 'thought' with 'considered', suggesting a more deliberate evaluation or opinion.

is viewed as

Emphasizes a visual or observational perspective in forming an opinion.

is perceived as

Focuses on the subjective experience and interpretation of something.

is known as

Indicates widespread recognition or fame, differing from personal belief.

is deemed to be

Implies a formal judgment or decision about something.

is understood as

Highlights the comprehension and interpretation of a concept.

is held to be

Suggests a strong, often traditional or established belief.

is reputed to be

Conveys a belief based on hearsay or general opinion.

is imagined as

Focuses on a mental image or creative visualization, rather than a concrete belief.

FAQs

How can I use "is thought of" in a sentence?

Use "is thought of" to express a common perception or belief about something. For example, "She "is thought of" as a talented artist" indicates that many people share this opinion.

What phrases can I use instead of "is thought of"?

Alternatives include "is considered to be", "is regarded as", or "is viewed as", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "is thought of" formal or informal?

"Is thought of" is generally neutral and appropriate for most contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "is deemed to be" might be preferable in highly formal writing.

What's the difference between "is thought of" and "is believed to be"?

"Is thought of" expresses a general perception or opinion, while "is believed to be" implies a stronger conviction or acceptance of something as true. For example, "He "is thought of" as intelligent" suggests a common perception, whereas "He is believed to be innocent" indicates a firm conviction.