it is viewed as a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is viewed as a" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing perceptions, interpretations, or opinions about a subject or concept. Example: "In the academic community, it is viewed as a significant breakthrough in research methodology."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And Newark cannot even begin its hoped for comeback until it is viewed as a safe city.

The New York Times

It is viewed as a nuisance by trawlers, however, because its bulk and thorny skin cause it to damage netted catches.

Wikipedia

And for all its grumbling, Rockland actually fares better than many other counties because it is viewed as a swing district in state elections.

The New York Times

Ohio has not succeeded yet, but it is viewed as a leader in these efforts.

The New York Times

Today, it is viewed as a contender for global leadership in the future.

The New York Times

It is viewed as a thrill – and definitely a male domain.

The Guardian

It is viewed as a possible substitute for public assistance or as an alternative to family allowances.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"It is viewed as a tournament certainly more open, with more contenders than ever before," she added.

The New York Times - Sports

It is viewed as a stain on our broader record of upholding the highest standards of rule of law".

The New Yorker

But it is viewed as a threat to the market dominance of StubHub, which sold more than $1 billion in second-hand tickets last year.

The New York Times

Most important, the speed with which Ralph Lauren reported itself may give other companies pause if it is viewed as a prerequisite to obtaining a nonprosecution agreement.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is viewed as a" to introduce a common perception or opinion, particularly when you want to emphasize that this is a widely held belief rather than your personal viewpoint.

Common error

While "it is viewed as a" is grammatically correct, overuse can lead to a passive writing style. Consider whether an active construction, such as "people view it as a...", would be more direct and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is viewed as a" functions as an introductory phrase to express a generally held opinion, perception, or interpretation about a subject. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it often precedes a noun phrase that specifies what the subject is perceived to be.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

34%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is viewed as a" is a versatile phrase used to introduce common perceptions or opinions. Ludwig's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts, especially in news and media. While it's important to be mindful of potential overuse and passive voice, this phrase remains a valuable tool for expressing widely held beliefs in both formal and informal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is regarded as a

Change from "viewed" to "regarded" maintains a sense of considering something in a particular way, but is more formal.

it is considered a

Replaces "viewed" with "considered", suggesting a more deliberate assessment or judgment.

it is perceived as a

Substitutes "viewed" with "perceived", highlighting the subjective experience or impression of something.

it is seen as a

Replaces "viewed" with "seen", indicating a general observation or understanding of something.

it is deemed a

Changes "viewed" to "deemed", implying a more official or authoritative assessment.

it is known as a

This emphasizes widespread recognition or common knowledge about the subject.

it is understood as a

Focuses on comprehension or interpretation of the subject, rather than mere observation.

it is interpreted as a

Highlights the act of assigning meaning or significance to the subject.

it is classified as a

Emphasizes categorization or systematic grouping of the subject based on shared characteristics.

it is recognized as a

Highlights the acknowledgment or acceptance of the subject's nature or status.

FAQs

What's the difference between "it is viewed as a" and "it is considered a"?

Both phrases are similar, but "it is viewed as a" suggests a more general perception, while "it is considered a" implies a more deliberate assessment. You can use alternatives like "it is regarded as a" or "it is perceived as a" depending on the nuances you want to convey.

When should I use "it is viewed as a" in my writing?

Use "it is viewed as a" when you want to express a common or widespread perception about something, rather than your personal opinion. For example, "In the scientific community, "it is viewed as a" significant breakthrough".

Are there more formal alternatives to "it is viewed as a"?

Yes, more formal alternatives include "it is deemed a" or "it is recognized as a". Choose the alternative that best fits the context and tone of your writing.

Can I start a sentence with "it is viewed as a"?

Yes, you can start a sentence with "it is viewed as a". However, ensure that the sentence flows well and is not overly passive. Vary your sentence structure for better readability.