they were viewed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were viewed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing how a person, group, or concept is perceived or regarded by others. Example: "In the past, they were viewed as pioneers in the field of technology."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

They were viewed unfavorably by just 39 percent of Americans.

The New York Times

They were viewed as desirable alterations of the landscape.

The New York Times - Science

But when the poor drank it to excess, they were viewed as a threat to society.

The New York Times - Books

"They were viewed as coming from a bunch of shareholders and workers whining about executive compensation".

The New York Times

It would be a mistake if they were viewed as an easy target for budget-cutting.

The Guardian

"They were viewed as somehow complicit in the crimes of the rebels," he said.

The New York Times

They were viewed as a forest-dwelling "northern" people who used skis and practiced shamanism.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She says this is evidence that "these people were undocumented because they were viewed as a disposable population".

The New York Times

The first time they fought the city, they were viewed as "the good guy fighting Goliath," Mr. Rainger said.

The New York Times

"We wanted him out of that environment so no further false charges, as they were viewed," could arise.

The New York Times

They were viewed in Washington as advocating the interests of business, and being less comfortable with the mysteries of markets.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they were viewed" to maintain objectivity when describing a general perception or opinion about a group, idea, or object. This phrasing is especially useful in academic and journalistic writing.

Common error

Ensure that the subject of "they" is clear and unambiguous to prevent confusion. Vague references can weaken the clarity of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were viewed" functions as a passive construction indicating how a subject (represented by "they") was perceived or regarded by others. This passive voice construction allows the writer to focus on the object of the action rather than the actor, as evidenced by examples found by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

29%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they were viewed" is a versatile and frequently used passive construction that conveys how a subject was perceived or regarded. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, especially in news, science, and encyclopedic content. While primarily neutral in register, its usage can range from formal academic writing to more accessible journalistic reports. The phrase's strength lies in its ability to maintain objectivity and focus on collective perceptions, making it a valuable tool for writers aiming for clarity and accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were regarded

Replaces "viewed" with "regarded", emphasizing the level of esteem or respect in the perception.

they were considered

Substitutes "viewed" with "considered", highlighting a more thoughtful or deliberate assessment.

they were perceived

Replaces "viewed" with "perceived", focusing on the sensory or intuitive understanding.

they were seen

Uses "seen" instead of "viewed", offering a more straightforward and common way to express perception.

they were deemed

Replaces "viewed" with "deemed", suggesting a formal judgment or evaluation.

they were understood

Emphasizes comprehension and interpretation, replacing the more superficial "viewed".

they were characterized

Focuses on the defining qualities attributed, differing slightly from simple viewing.

they were known as

Highlights the recognition or reputation, shifting the focus from immediate perception.

they were judged

Emphasizes the act of forming an opinion or evaluation, often with a critical aspect.

they were thought of

Focuses on the mental consideration and opinion held by others.

FAQs

How can I use "they were viewed" in a sentence?

Use "they were viewed" to express how a group or concept was perceived. For example, "In the past, "they were viewed" as pioneers in technology" shows a past perception.

What's the difference between "they were viewed" and "they were considered"?

"They were viewed" implies a general perception, while "they were considered" suggests a more thoughtful and deliberate assessment or judgment.

Are there formal alternatives to "they were viewed"?

Yes, more formal alternatives include "they were regarded" or "they were deemed", which are often used in academic or professional contexts to convey a sense of authority or formality.

In what contexts is "they were viewed" most appropriate?

"They were viewed" is suitable in various contexts, especially when discussing general perceptions or historical perspectives. It is commonly found in news reports, academic papers, and historical analyses where objectivity is important.