to be seen

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'to be seen' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a future event that has not yet happened, and is likely to be observed by someone. For example, "The company's new product, scheduled to be released in January 2021, will be seen by millions of customers around the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nowhere to be seen.

The New York Times - Travel

To be seen?

The New Yorker

Various equipages to be seen.

The New Yorker

Still nowhere to be seen.

The New York Times

He wanted to be seen.

The New York Times

Some want to be seen.

The New Yorker

That remains to be seen.

The New York Times

No shops to be seen.

The New Yorker

It remained to be seen.

The New York Times

It's nowhere to be seen".

Independent

It deserved to be seen.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be seen" when you want to emphasize the act of something being observed or noticed, whether literally or figuratively. For instance, "The results of the experiment are yet to be seen".

Common error

Avoid using "to be seen" too frequently in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and direct alternatives like "observed", "recognized", or "understood" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be seen" functions as part of a verb phrase, often used in passive constructions. It indicates the potential or necessity for something to be observed or noticed. Ludwig's examples show it used in various contexts, from physical visibility to the acknowledgment of future events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be seen" functions as a verb phrase that signifies visibility, observation, or future acknowledgment. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct, and it is very common in the English language, particularly in news and media contexts. While versatile, writers should be mindful of its frequency in formal writing, opting for more direct alternatives when appropriate. The related phrases offer subtle shifts in meaning, allowing for precise expression in various situations. Ultimately, understanding these nuances will enhance clarity and impact in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be noticed

Focuses more on the act of attracting attention.

to be visible

Emphasizes the quality of being able to be seen.

to be perceived

Highlights the way something is understood or interpreted.

to be recognized

Stresses the acknowledgment of something's existence or importance.

to gain attention

Implies an effort to attract notice.

to be observed

Suggests a more formal or scientific viewing.

to be in the spotlight

Indicates being the center of attention.

to be on display

Implies a deliberate presentation for viewing.

to be apparent

Focuses on being easily noticeable or obvious.

to be uncovered

Suggests revealing something that was previously hidden.

FAQs

How can I use "to be seen" in a sentence?

The phrase "to be seen" can describe something that is visible or that will happen in the future and be observed. For example, "The impact of the new policy remains "to be seen"".

What are some alternatives to "to be seen"?

Depending on the context, you can replace "to be seen" with phrases like "to be noticed", "to be visible", or "to be recognized".

Is it correct to say "yet to be seen"?

Yes, "yet "to be seen"" is a common and correct idiom used to indicate that something has not happened or been revealed at the current time.

What's the difference between "to be seen" and "to be viewed"?

"To be seen" generally implies visibility or observation, while "to be viewed" suggests a more deliberate or intentional act of looking or examining. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize simple visibility or intentional observation.