it is sometimes thought of as a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is sometimes thought of as a" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing perceptions or interpretations of a concept, idea, or object that may vary among different people or contexts. Example: "The phenomenon is complex and it is sometimes thought of as a mere illusion rather than a reality."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Carmelo Anthony, whom the Knicks are considering acquiring in a trade, is sometimes thought of as a selfish player.

The New York Times

It is in virtue of this aspect of careful attention that respect is sometimes thought of as an epistemic virtue.

SEP

The third factor — essentially, the ideological positioning of the Republican candidate — is sometimes thought of as an "intangible".

The New York Times - Magazine

Railroads are sometimes thought of as a relic of America's past.

Forbes

Milton is sometimes thought of as being a misogynist, but the conclusion of his epic profoundly denies that charge.

Duke University

It is the Sanctoral Cycle which is sometimes thought of as being the "Calendar of Saints" of a Church.

Wikipedia

Analogy is sometimes thought of as the product of an effortful attempt to communicate a complex idea.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

The Demiurge is sometimes thought of as the Platonic personification of active reason.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Cincinnati, OH, is sometimes thought of as the first purely American city, lacking the heavy European influence that was present on the east coast (Taylor 1998).

Human Genetics

As with overdispersion, it is sometimes thought that a case crossover analysis, especially if stratified by day of week, is not affected by autocorrelation.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

The Hakkas are sometimes thought of as the Jews of China, because they're dispersed all over the place.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use this phrase to introduce a common but potentially debatable perception or categorization. For example, "The issue is complex, and "it is sometimes thought of as a" simple misunderstanding, but it requires deeper analysis."

Common error

Avoid using this phrase when there is overwhelming evidence to the contrary. Overusing it may weaken your argument by suggesting uncertainty where clarity is needed. Instead, consider stating the generally accepted view directly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is sometimes thought of as a" functions as an introductory expression used to present a common perception or viewpoint. This framing acknowledges that the view is not universally accepted but exists among a segment of people or within certain contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that this is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is sometimes thought of as a" is a useful expression for introducing a viewpoint that isn't necessarily universally accepted. It's grammatically correct, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, and serves to present a perspective while acknowledging potential limitations. While generally neutral, its effectiveness hinges on context and avoiding overgeneralization. Related phrases like "it is occasionally regarded as a" and "it is often perceived as a" offer similar but nuanced alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is occasionally regarded as a

Replaces "sometimes" with "occasionally" for a less frequent occurrence.

it is often perceived as a

Substitutes "sometimes thought of" with "often perceived", indicating a more common viewpoint.

it is generally considered to be a

Uses "generally considered" to suggest a widespread belief.

it is widely believed to be a

Emphasizes the breadth of acceptance with "widely believed".

it is understood as a

Focuses on the understanding or interpretation of something.

it is known as a

Indicates that something is commonly recognized or referred to in a certain way.

it is viewed as a

Highlights the act of viewing or regarding something in a particular light.

it is deemed a

Implies a formal judgment or assessment.

it is characterized as a

Focuses on the defining characteristics of something.

it is identified as a

Highlights the act of recognizing or pinpointing something.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it is sometimes thought of as a"?

You can use alternatives like "it is occasionally regarded as a", "it is often perceived as a", or "it is generally considered to be a" depending on the context.

Is "it is sometimes thought of as a" always correct?

While grammatically correct, the appropriateness of "it is sometimes thought of as a" depends on the context. Ensure that the view you're attributing is indeed a perception held by some, and not a misrepresentation or an overgeneralization.

What is the difference between "it is sometimes thought of as a" and "it is often thought of as a"?

"It is sometimes thought of as a" indicates that the view is not very common. "It is often thought of as a" suggests that the view is relatively common.

Can "it is sometimes thought of as a" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "it is sometimes thought of as a" can be used in formal writing. However, consider if a more direct or assertive phrasing would be more effective for your argument.