it was viewed as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was viewed as" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing perceptions, interpretations, or opinions about a subject or situation. Example: "The new policy was viewed as a significant improvement over the previous regulations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Whereas Health IT was viewed as a cost item to be minimized, pharma and Medical Device products represented revenue generation and differentiation opportunities for healthcare providers.

TechCrunch

"It was viewed as impolite, it was viewed as class warfare".

The New York Times

It was viewed as a revolution in military affairs.

The New York Times

"Especially at that time, it was viewed as a failure.

The New York Times

It was viewed as a terrible evil, the cause of the floods.

Independent

In fact, it was viewed as sport —  the ultimate score was forcing plebes to quit.

The New York Times - Sports

Ms. Fava said it was viewed as an attractive benefit for top executives.

The New York Times

It was viewed as unpatriotic and flouted a fabric conservation order during World War II.

The New York Times

It was viewed as imperative that all the exchanges open simultaneously.

The New York Times

"Under the circumstances, it was viewed as negative and a criticism of America.

The New York Times

"I think it was viewed as a very important, critical decision," Mr. Liman said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was viewed as", ensure the subject being viewed and the basis for that view are clear to avoid ambiguity. For instance, clarify who held that view or what evidence supported it.

Common error

Avoid overusing passive constructions like "it was viewed as" in contexts where active voice would be more direct and engaging. Consider rephrasing to emphasize the actor rather than the action. Instead of "It was viewed as a failure", try "Critics considered it a failure."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was viewed as" functions as a means to attribute a particular perspective or assessment to a subject. It implies that someone or some group held a specific opinion. Ludwig examples show its use in diverse contexts, from healthcare to military affairs.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

21%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was viewed as" is a versatile phrase used to express perceptions, opinions, or interpretations. Ludwig's analysis reveals it's grammatically correct and widely used across diverse contexts, as also confirmed by Ludwig AI. While predominantly found in news and media, it appears in scientific and encyclopedic sources as well. When writing, ensure clarity regarding who held the view and the reasons behind it. Alternatives include "it was regarded as" and "it was considered to be", each carrying slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was regarded as

Replaces "viewed" with "regarded", emphasizing a more formal assessment.

it was considered to be

Uses "considered" instead of "viewed", suggesting a more thoughtful evaluation.

it was perceived as

Substitutes "viewed" with "perceived", highlighting subjective interpretation.

it was deemed to be

Employs "deemed", indicating a formal judgment or decision.

it was understood as

Replaces "viewed" with "understood", stressing comprehension or interpretation.

it was interpreted as

Uses "interpreted" instead of "viewed", emphasizing the act of assigning meaning.

it was seen as

A more direct and less formal alternative using "seen" instead of "viewed".

people thought it was

Shifts to a more general perspective, indicating popular opinion.

the general consensus was

Focuses on the collective agreement regarding the subject.

the impression was that

Highlights the overall feeling or belief about something.

FAQs

How can I use "it was viewed as" in a sentence?

Use "it was viewed as" to express a perception, opinion, or interpretation of something. For instance, "The policy "it was viewed as" controversial by many citizens".

What can I say instead of "it was viewed as"?

You can use alternatives like "it was considered to be", "it was regarded as", or "it was perceived as depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it was viewed as" formal or informal?

"It was viewed as" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It is suitable for both formal writing and everyday conversation, though more direct alternatives may be preferable in very informal contexts.

What's the difference between "it was viewed as" and "it was seen as"?

While both phrases express perception, ""it was viewed as"" often implies a more considered or thoughtful assessment, whereas "it was seen as" can suggest a more immediate or superficial impression.