not to be seen

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not to be seen" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is intended to remain hidden or out of sight. Example: "The secret documents were carefully stored in a location not to be seen by unauthorized personnel."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"Not to be seen".

The New York Times

I try not to be seen".

The New Yorker

That's not to be seen by anybody.

The New York Times

"God is not to be seen as male.

The Guardian

"For that not to be seen is very, very disappointing.

The Guardian - Sport

Pistorius fought hard not to be seen as disabled.

The Guardian

Their leader, Nick Clegg, was not to be seen.

The Economist

"Our job is not to be seen," said Jones.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

"If it's not supposed to be seen," he said, "it's not supposed to be seen".

The New York Times - Magazine

Philip halted, not wanting to be seen.

The New Yorker

She did not want to be seen.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not to be seen", ensure that the context clearly indicates what or who is avoiding being seen. Clarity is key for effective communication.

Common error

Avoid using "not to be seen" when active voice would be more direct and clear. For instance, instead of "The error was not to be seen", consider "The user did not see the error".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not to be seen" functions as a negative infinitive phrase, often serving as an adverbial modifier to express purpose or consequence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates something intended to remain hidden or out of sight.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Wiki

21%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

4%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not to be seen" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression indicating the desire for something or someone to remain concealed. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase indicates that something is intended to remain hidden or out of sight. Its usage spans various contexts, from news reporting to general writing, maintaining a neutral tone suitable for diverse audiences. While versatile, clarity is key, and avoiding passive voice can enhance directness. The analysis reveals it is most common in "News & Media", "Wiki", and "Science" contexts, making it a valuable tool for effective communication across different domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to go unnoticed

Emphasizes the result of not attracting attention, passively.

to avoid being noticed

Highlights the act of preventing others from observing or acknowledging someone or something.

to stay out of sight

Emphasizes physical concealment and avoiding visual contact.

to keep a low profile

Suggests minimizing attention and avoiding drawing focus to oneself.

to steer clear of attention

Actively avoiding any situation that might cause notice.

to remain undetected

Focuses on avoiding detection, emphasizing the state of being undiscovered.

to disappear from view

Highlights the act of vanishing or becoming unseen.

to evade observation

Focuses on actively escaping being watched or scrutinized.

to blend into the background

Suggests merging with the surroundings to become indistinguishable.

to make oneself invisible

Implies a deliberate effort to blend in or disappear from view metaphorically.

FAQs

How can I use "not to be seen" in a sentence?

You can use "not to be seen" to describe something that should remain hidden or out of sight. For example, "The evidence was carefully hidden, "not to be seen" by the public".

What are some alternatives to "not to be seen"?

Alternatives include phrases like "to remain undetected", "to stay out of sight", or "to avoid being noticed", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "not to be seen" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the need for something or someone to remain concealed or unnoticed. For instance, when describing a spy's mission or secret information.

Is "not to be seen" formal or informal?

The phrase "not to be seen" is considered neutral in formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the overall tone of the writing.