may be regarded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be regarded" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing an opinion or perspective about something, indicating that it is possible to view it in a certain way. Example: "This theory may be regarded as a significant contribution to the field of psychology."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This step change may be regarded as a rheological threshold.

Polymer

Therefore, projects and firms may be regarded as "discordant complements".

Research Policy

If not, it may be regarded as Bugiardini's ultimate masterpiece.

The New York Times

To lose one competition may be regarded as a misfortune.

The Telegraph

The pact, however, may be regarded by some as Faustian.

The New York Times

Mahavira may be regarded as the founder of Jainism.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Boundary stiffnesses out of this range may be regarded as zero (free) or infinite (rigid).

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Plates with stiff or traditional cores may be regarded as special cases.

Composite Structures

This element may be regarded as a finite element with time-dependent and unsymmetric element matrices.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

There are certain outside propositions upon which all others may be regarded as dependent.

Cornell University

In other words, magnetic flux may be regarded as electric-charge momentum.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may be regarded" to introduce a qualified or tentative perspective, rather than a definitive statement. This adds nuance and encourages consideration of alternative viewpoints.

Common error

Avoid overuse of passive constructions like "may be regarded" which can make your writing seem indirect and less engaging. Consider rephrasing with a more active voice when appropriate to improve clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be regarded" functions as a modal verb construction introducing a passive viewpoint. It suggests a possibility or perspective on a subject, without asserting it as an absolute truth. Ludwig's examples show its use in various contexts, from scientific research to news reporting.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

28%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Academia

13%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "may be regarded" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a perspective or opinion, often found in formal and neutral contexts such as science, news, and academic writing. As Ludwig confirms, this construction is grammatically correct and widely used. While offering a qualified viewpoint, it avoids strong assertions and invites consideration of alternative perspectives. When writing, consider alternatives like "can be considered" or "might be deemed" to vary your expression. Be mindful of potential overuse of passive voice for clearer, more engaging prose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be considered

Replaces "may be regarded" with a more direct verb choice, suggesting possibility.

could be seen as

Emphasizes a particular perspective or interpretation.

might be deemed

Suggests a formal judgment or assessment.

can be interpreted as

Focuses on the act of interpreting something in a certain way.

might be viewed as

Highlights a specific viewpoint or perspective.

could be classified as

Implies categorization or classification based on certain criteria.

may be characterized as

Suggests a specific characteristic or attribute.

might be understood as

Focuses on comprehension and understanding in a particular context.

can be perceived as

Highlights how something is perceived or sensed.

could be appreciated as

Implies a sense of value or recognition.

FAQs

How can I use "may be regarded" in a sentence?

The phrase "may be regarded" is used to introduce a perspective or opinion about something, suggesting that it is possible to view it in a certain way. For example, "This theory "may be regarded" as a significant contribution to the field."

What are some alternatives to "may be regarded"?

You can use alternatives such as "can be considered", "might be deemed", or "could be seen as" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "may be regarded" or "is regarded"?

"May be regarded" implies a degree of subjectivity or possibility, while "is regarded" suggests a more widely accepted or established view. The choice depends on whether you want to express a personal opinion or a generally held belief.

In what contexts is "may be regarded" most appropriate?

The phrase "may be regarded" is suitable for academic writing, news articles, and formal discussions where you want to present a perspective without asserting it as an absolute truth. It is also used in encyclopedic contexts to provide different interpretations of a subject.