should be seen as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'should be seen as' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to make a comparison between two things or express an opinion about something. For example: This module should be seen as a necessary step in understanding the complex system.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Landlords should be seen as community architects.

The Guardian - Opinion

That should be seen as good news.

The Guardian - Business

Such joint assessments should be seen as value-creating moves.

Harvard University

"Urban water systems should be seen as an organic whole.

The Guardian

But Fabiani insists neither should be seen as a threat.

The Guardian - Sport

"This should be seen as a form of reparation.

The New York Times

They thought that colonists should be seen as potential consumers.

The New Yorker

But postmaternal matrophobia should be seen as a separate phenomenon.

The New York Times - Arts

Not that the result should be seen as a negative.

The Guardian - Sport

Temperature should be seen as nothing so blunt.

The New York Times - Food

He should be seen as a poetic dramatist.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "should be seen as", ensure the subject is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity in interpretation.

Common error

Avoid excessive use of the passive voice when using "should be seen as". Opt for active constructions where possible to make your writing more direct and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should be seen as" functions primarily as a modal verb phrase, indicating a recommendation, suggestion, or opinion on how something ought to be perceived or understood. As Ludwig AI underlines, it helps to frame a particular viewpoint or interpretation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

23%

Science

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "should be seen as" is a versatile and widely used expression that serves to frame perspectives and influence understanding. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and suitable for various writing contexts. Its frequency across news, academic, and scientific sources highlights its broad applicability. When incorporating "should be seen as" into your writing, consider the nuances of alternative phrases and be mindful of potential overuse of the passive voice. By following these guidelines, you can effectively leverage this phrase to enhance clarity and persuasiveness in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ought to be regarded as

Replaces "should" with "ought to", implying a moral obligation or advisability in how something is viewed.

could be considered as

Uses "could" instead of "should", suggesting a possibility rather than a recommendation in how something is perceived.

might be interpreted as

Emphasizes the subjective aspect of interpretation, using "might" to indicate uncertainty.

can be understood as

Focuses on understanding, suggesting a cognitive process in making sense of something.

may be perceived as

Highlights perception, indicating how something is viewed by others.

is appropriately viewed as

Adds a sense of appropriateness or justification to the act of viewing something in a particular way.

is rightly considered to be

Stresses the correctness or justification of considering something in a specific manner.

can be recognized as

Highlights the act of recognizing or acknowledging a particular quality or attribute.

deserves to be thought of as

Implies that something merits a particular kind of consideration or reflection.

warrants being regarded as

Suggests that something justifies being viewed or considered in a certain way.

FAQs

How can I use "should be seen as" in a sentence?

The phrase "should be seen as" is used to express how something ought to be understood or considered. For example, "This project "should be seen as" an investment in the future".

What are some alternatives to "should be seen as"?

Alternatives include phrases like "ought to be regarded as", "could be considered as", or "might be interpreted as", depending on the context.

Is it better to use "should be seen as" or "must be seen as"?

"Should be seen as" suggests a recommendation or advisability, whereas "must be seen as" implies a stronger necessity or obligation. The choice depends on the level of emphasis you want to convey.

Can "should be seen as" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "should be seen as" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a neutral and professional way to present a perspective or suggest a particular understanding of something.