might be regarded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "might be regarded" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a possible opinion or point of view, or to express speculation. For example: "Thomas' decision to leave the party early might be regarded as rude by his friends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

We might be regarded as an unreliable trade partner.

The Economist

"This might be regarded as neglect," he said.

The New York Times

That might be regarded as an optional extra in the manual of canine care.

The Guardian - Opinion

Bacon the painter might be regarded as the last great European artist-as-existential hero.

The Guardian - Film

A couple of assemblage pieces that might be regarded as paintings stand out.

The New York Times

The works that might be regarded as mainstream movies continue his work by other means.

The Guardian - Arts

He also pays a lot of attention to those who might be regarded as marginal figures.

The New York Times

Even Laura Carton's pornographic cut-and-pastes at Real Art Ways might be regarded as landscapes.

The New York Times

To this extent, today's visit might be regarded as a tad incongruous.

The Guardian

(" 'Caroline' might be regarded as the brooding person's 'Hairspray, Ben Brantleyley wrote in the Times).

The New Yorker

Painting the same thing over and over, Mr. Gasser might be regarded as a formula painter.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "might be regarded" to introduce a tentative opinion or interpretation, indicating that there are other possible viewpoints. This softens the statement and acknowledges potential disagreement.

Common error

Avoid overuse of passive constructions like "might be regarded" in situations where active voice would make your writing more direct and engaging. Consider whether you can rephrase the sentence to emphasize the actor rather than the action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "might be regarded" functions as a modal verb phrase introducing a passive construction. According to Ludwig, it expresses a degree of possibility or speculation regarding how something could be viewed or considered. It softens a statement, indicating it's one possible interpretation among others.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "might be regarded" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a potential interpretation or opinion, suggesting possibility rather than certainty. As Ludwig AI clarifies, this phrase is grammatically sound and quite common across diverse writing styles. Its prevalence in News & Media and Science, coupled with its neutral to formal register, makes it suitable for conveying subjective assessments in both professional and academic contexts. Remember to use it strategically to soften claims and acknowledge alternative perspectives, as overusing it can lead to passive writing. Consider alternatives like "could be considered" or "may be deemed" to vary your language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be considered

Emphasizes the possibility of a particular viewpoint or assessment.

may be deemed

Suggests a formal judgment or evaluation is plausible.

could be seen as

Focuses on how something is perceived or interpreted.

might be viewed as

Highlights a potential perspective or way of seeing something.

may be looked upon as

Implies a specific attitude or opinion might be held.

might be interpreted as

Focuses on the potential understanding or meaning assigned to something.

could be perceived as

Emphasizes how something might be sensed or understood by others.

may be construed as

Suggests a particular construction or interpretation of something.

might be thought of as

Highlights a potential way of conceptualizing or considering something.

could be classified as

Focuses on the potential categorization or grouping of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "might be regarded" to introduce a possibility or opinion, such as, "His decision to decline the offer might be regarded as a missed opportunity".

What are some alternatives to "might be regarded"?

Alternatives include "could be considered", "may be deemed", or "could be seen as" depending on the context.

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

"Might be regarded" suggests a possibility or opinion, while "is regarded" indicates a generally accepted fact or viewpoint. The choice depends on the certainty you wish to convey.

What's the difference between "might be regarded as" and "could be regarded as"?

Both phrases express possibility, but "might be regarded as" implies a slightly lower probability than "could be regarded as". The difference is subtle and often depends on the specific context.