it is to be discerned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is to be discerned" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that something can be perceived or understood, often in a formal or literary context. Example: "In the complex narrative, it is to be discerned that the protagonist's journey reflects deeper societal issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

If the European presence created a veritable watershed in Indonesian history, it is to be discerned about 1870 (as opposed to 1511, which marked the establishment of a European base in the archipelago).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's reassuring that the editing of this material should fall into the capable, sensitive and caring hands of Paul Ryan: it is to be hoped that a discerning publisher will commission him to write a biography.

The Guardian - Books

The arts help us discern what it is to be fully human, and to live in the society of other humans.

Huffington Post

It is true: to be a discerning Israeli is to be no less an expert in hats than the millinery specialists at Bergdorf's.

The New Yorker

In general, if there was a principle to be discerned, it was the negative one of keeping friends apart, to insure that Miss Preston's golden rule of M.C.G. (Make Conversation General) would be maintained.

The New Yorker

"In love, as it is in bacon, it's important to be discerning when selecting your perfect match and to never settle for less than the best," said Eric Dahmer, Oscar Mayer's marketing director in a statement.

TechCrunch

Thus, if the target in question cannot be uniquely discriminated, the most specific level to which it can be discerned is output.

BMC Genomics

Investors are still being discerning.

The New York Times

Where it is headed is hard to discern, but the cause is clear: chronic lack of racial transformation in US higher education.

The Guardian

What's the definition of a thug, really?" If it's something other than a person who occasionally forgets that he is supposed to be humble, it is hard to discern thuggishness in the way that Sherman seems to conduct his life.

The New Yorker

Reading this book it is easy to discern how well suited he was to both careers.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is to be discerned" when you want to convey a sense of formal observation or deduction, suggesting that understanding requires careful attention and analysis. For example, "In the subtle nuances of the artist's brushstrokes, "it is to be discerned" a hidden layer of meaning."

Common error

Avoid using "it is to be discerned" in casual conversation or informal writing. This phrase sounds overly formal and can come across as pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "it can be seen" or "it's clear" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is to be discerned" functions as a modal expression indicating that something is capable of being understood or perceived through careful observation. Ludwig AI indicates it's usable in written English when showing something can be perceived or understood, often in a formal context.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

33%

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is to be discerned" is a grammatically correct phrase used to indicate that something can be understood through careful observation or analysis. While Ludwig AI confirms its usability, it is relatively rare and best suited for formal contexts such as academic writing, scientific reports, or literary works. Alternatives like "it can be understood" or "it may be observed" offer simpler options for less formal situations. The phrase's formality is further supported by its presence in encyclopedic entries and scientific publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it can be perceived

Focuses on the ability to perceive something rather than actively discerning it.

it can be understood

Emphasizes comprehension over the process of discovery or perception.

it may be observed

Highlights the act of observation as the means of understanding.

it is possible to detect

Implies the presence of something that needs to be actively detected or discovered.

it is possible to identify

Focuses on the act of identifying something specific among other possibilities.

it is able to be recognized

Stresses the capability of something to be recognized or acknowledged.

it is open to interpretation

Highlights the subjective nature of understanding, where multiple interpretations are possible.

it is subject to discovery

Emphasizes the potential for something to be discovered through investigation or exploration.

it is there to be seen

Implies that something is obvious or easily noticeable, awaiting observation.

it remains to be elucidated

Focuses on the need for further clarification or explanation to fully understand something.

FAQs

What does "it is to be discerned" mean?

The phrase "it is to be discerned" means that something can be perceived, understood, or detected through careful observation or analysis.

How can I use "it is to be discerned" in a sentence?

Use "it is to be discerned" when you want to indicate that something requires careful observation to be understood. For example, "In the data, "it is to be discerned" a pattern of increasing efficiency."

What are some alternatives to "it is to be discerned"?

You can use alternatives like "it can be perceived", "it can be understood", or "it may be observed" depending on the context.

Is "it is to be discerned" formal or informal?

"It is to be discerned" is considered a formal phrase, best suited for academic, professional, or literary contexts. Simpler alternatives are more appropriate for informal settings.