thought of as

USAGE SUMMARY

"thought of as" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to establish a comparison between two things. For example, "The new computer is thought of as an upgrade to the previous model."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It will be thought of as watershed".

The New York Times - Science

Trams aren't commonly thought of as beautiful places to be.

Harvard University

Dodos weren't always thought of as fat.

Science Magazine

Snapchat is often thought of as just a messaging app.

TechCrunch

The list should not be thought of as rigid.

Johns Hopkins University

Don't want to be thought of as narcissistic.

BBC

I'll be thought of as weak.

Huffington Post

Discounting shouldn't be thought of as charity.

Harvard Business Review

"Action shouldn't be thought of as trash.

The Guardian - Film

Directors were thought of as "auteurs".

The Guardian - Film

We're usually thought of as technicians".

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "thought of as" to connect a subject with a description or categorization that is widely accepted or commonly held.

Common error

Avoid using "thought of as" when expressing a purely personal or subjective opinion that is not generally shared or recognized. Instead, use phrases like "I think of..." or "I consider..." to indicate your personal viewpoint.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thought of as" functions as a linking verb phrase, connecting a subject with a predicate nominative or adjective that describes how the subject is generally perceived or categorized. Ludwig AI confirms its proper use in establishing comparisons and descriptions. The examples show its role in defining qualities and perceptions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

38%

Academia

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "thought of as" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to express common perceptions or categorizations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively links a subject to a descriptive attribute. Its frequency across diverse sources like News & Media, Science, and Academia underscores its broad applicability and neutral register. When using this phrase, remember to avoid applying it to purely subjective opinions and instead focus on widely recognized characterizations. Related phrases such as "regarded as" or "considered to be" can provide nuanced alternatives. Ultimately, mastering "thought of as" enhances your ability to convey shared understandings and establish common ground in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seen as

Simple and direct alternative, similar to "viewed as".

considered to be

A more direct and straightforward way of expressing a belief or opinion.

viewed as

Emphasizes a particular perspective or angle of interpretation.

regarded as

Formal alternative, implying a more considered or official assessment.

perceived as

Focuses on how something is understood or sensed by others.

deemed as

Implies a judgment or formal decision about something's nature or quality.

recognized as

Emphasizes the acknowledgment or acceptance of something's status or characteristics.

understood as

Focuses on the interpretation or comprehension of something's meaning.

known as

Highlights a recognized or established name or identity.

taken for

Indicates a mistaken or assumed identity or characteristic.

FAQs

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

Use "thought of as" to describe how something or someone is generally perceived or considered. For example, "She is "thought of as" a talented artist".

What are some alternatives to "thought of as"?

You can use alternatives such as "regarded as", "considered to be", or "viewed as" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "think of as" instead of "thought of as"?

"Think of as" expresses an active, present-tense consideration, while ""thought of as"" indicates a past or general perception. The choice depends on whether you're describing an ongoing thought process or a settled view.

What is the difference between "thought of as" and "seen as"?

"Thought of as" often implies a cognitive assessment or understanding, whereas "seen as" emphasizes a visual or perceptual impression. Both convey how something is perceived, but with slightly different nuances.