often thought of as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "often thought of as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a common perception or belief about a person, thing, or concept. Example: "The painting is often thought of as a masterpiece of the Renaissance period."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Viruses are often thought of as simple creatures.

Nature

Indeed, the term feminism is now often thought of as pejorative.

The Economist

The fictional is the mode most often thought of as simply "the movies".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Snapchat is often thought of as just a messaging app.

TechCrunch

Hence, this category is often thought of as good "corporate citizenship".

International Journal of Corporate Social Responsibility

Telemedicine is often thought of as simply a digital channel between doctor and patient.

Forbes

Perhaps as a result of Nozick's fame, libertarianism is often thought of as "right-wing" doctrine.

SEP

ROMANIANS are not often thought of as combustible folk.

The Economist

Keynes is often thought of as a Bloomsbury figure.

Independent

Autism is often thought of as a boys' affliction.

The New York Times - Magazine

Even though he's often thought of as a Long Islander?

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine this phrase with specific examples or evidence to support or refute the common perception you are introducing.

Common error

Avoid using "often thought of as" to present your own opinion as a universally accepted fact. Ensure that the perception you are describing is genuinely widespread and not just your personal viewpoint.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "often thought of as" serves as an introductory device to present a common, sometimes oversimplified, understanding or perspective on a particular subject. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "often thought of as" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to introduce common perceptions or beliefs. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s usable in diverse contexts and helps set the stage for either supporting or challenging those viewpoints. While highly frequent in News & Media and Science, it’s important to use this phrase with care to avoid overgeneralizations. By using this with precision and backing it up with evidence, one can ensure clarity and depth in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

widely perceived as

This alternative focuses on public opinion or impression.

commonly regarded as

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes a widespread opinion.

generally considered to be

This option suggests a more thoughtful and deliberate assessment.

typically viewed as

This option emphasizes a standard or expected perspective.

frequently seen as

This alternative highlights the visual aspect of perception.

usually understood as

This alternative highlights the interpretation or comprehension aspect.

generally accepted as

This indicates a consensus or agreement about something's nature or identity.

often recognized as

This variant emphasizes the act of acknowledging or identifying something.

commonly known as

This alternative indicates widespread familiarity or recognition.

frequently identified as

This alternative suggests a specific classification or categorization.

FAQs

How can I use "often thought of as" in a sentence?

Use "often thought of as" to introduce a common belief or perception, especially when you intend to offer a different perspective. For instance, "Mathematics is "often thought of as" a difficult subject, but with the right approach, it can be quite accessible."

What are some alternatives to "often thought of as"?

You can use alternatives like "commonly regarded as", "frequently seen as", or "generally considered to be" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Each alternative emphasizes a slightly different aspect of the common perception.

Is it appropriate to use "often thought of as" in formal writing?

Yes, "often thought of as" is suitable for formal writing. However, consider alternatives like "commonly regarded as" or "widely perceived as" for a more sophisticated tone if appropriate.

What's the difference between "often thought of as" and "usually thought of as"?

Both phrases are similar, but "often thought of as" suggests that the perception is frequent but not necessarily universal, whereas "usually thought of as" implies a slightly stronger consensus. Choose the phrase that best reflects the actual prevalence of the perception.