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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
is to be perceived
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "is to be perceived" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing how something is understood or interpreted by someone. Example: "The artwork is to be perceived as a reflection of the artist's inner turmoil."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Encyclopedias
Science
Alternative expressions(20)
should be seen as
is to be understood
is to be seen as
is to be regarded as
is to be considered
is to be viewed as
is recognized as
is known as
is to be spread
is to be commended
is to be determined
is to be forbidden
is to be occupied
is to be scrapped
is to be extended
is to be sentenced
is to be tried
is to be trusted
is to be delivered
is to be reopened
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
22 human-written examples
A paradigmatic example of an idealist position is Berkeley's rejection of "brute matter" as unintelligible and his accompanying doctrine that reality consists exclusively of "ideas"—for which esse est percipi ("to be is to be perceived")—and "spirits," including finite spirits corresponding to individual human beings and at least one infinite spirit, or God.
Encyclopedias
"Our biggest danger is to be perceived as not talking about immigration," he says.
News & Media
For any nonthinking being, esse est percipi ("to be is to be perceived").
Encyclopedias
To wear obviously outmoded clothes is to be perceived as eccentric at best – sad, inadequate, or downright weird at worst.
News & Media
To argue for tea is to be perceived as this chopping board – the worst thing, in a room of the worst things.
News & Media
The Helmet of Horror by Victor Pelevin, translated by Andrew Bromfield 288pp, Canongate, £12 Esse est percipi: "To be is to be perceived".
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
38 human-written examples
We thought the single most effective way for the president to be re-elected was to be perceived as the president".
News & Media
But like many LGBTQ people, superheroes are often outcasts living double lives; they hide who they are to be perceived as normal.
News & Media
How is the collection to be perceived now?
News & Media
They want to be perceived as being strong and powerful.
News & Media
"It's going to be perceived as more dollies out of the pram," he says.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "is to be perceived" when you want to emphasize how something is understood or interpreted, particularly when the perception is crucial to the message.
Common error
Avoid using "is to be perceived" when describing objective facts. This phrase is best suited for subjective interpretations or impressions, not concrete realities.
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "is to be perceived" functions as a passive verb construction, indicating how something should be understood or interpreted. As Ludwig AI suggests, it describes a suggested or intended reception rather than an objective reality, mirroring its usage in the provided examples.
Frequent in
News & Media
40%
Encyclopedias
20%
Science
15%
Less common in
Wiki
5%
Formal & Business
10%
Reference
10%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "is to be perceived" serves as a grammatical tool, primarily functioning as a passive verb construction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it frames how something should be understood, guiding the audience's interpretation. With the highest frequency within news and media sources, followed by encyclopedias, this phrase maintains a register from neutral to formal, demonstrating its value across various written styles. When writing, remember to reserve its usage for instances requiring an emphasis on the subjective interpretations or impressions, and avoid using it when talking about objective facts.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
is to be understood
Focuses on comprehension rather than sensory perception.
is to be seen as
Emphasizes a particular viewpoint or interpretation.
is to be regarded as
Indicates a specific level of consideration or respect.
is to be considered
Suggests thoughtful evaluation or assessment.
is to be viewed as
Highlights the act of observing and interpreting.
is intended to be perceived
Specifies a deliberate intention behind the perception.
is designed to be perceived
Highlights the planning behind a specific perception.
is meant to be perceived
Expresses a purpose or expectation for how something should be understood.
is recognized as
Focuses on the acknowledgement or acceptance of a certain quality or status.
is known as
Indicates common knowledge or identification.
FAQs
How can I use "is to be perceived" in a sentence?
Use "is to be perceived" to describe how something is understood or interpreted. For example, "The artwork "is to be perceived" as a reflection of the artist's inner turmoil".
What are some alternatives to "is to be perceived"?
Alternatives include "is to be understood", "is to be seen as", or "is to be regarded as", depending on the specific context.
Is "is to be perceived" formal or informal?
"Is to be perceived" is generally considered neutral to formal and can be used in various contexts, including news articles, academic papers, and professional communications.
What's the difference between "is to be perceived" and "is perceived"?
"Is perceived" describes a current state of being understood, while "is to be perceived" suggests an intended or recommended interpretation. For example, "The movie is perceived as controversial" versus "The movie "is to be perceived" as a social commentary".
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested