viewed

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "viewed" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that has been seen or considered, as in the following example sentence: John viewed the artwork on display and was impressed by the artist's skill.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The west has long viewed the Saudis as a pillar of stability in an unruly region.

The Guardian

But the greater significance of that day in Dallas – beyond the arguments about the grassy knoll and the Zapruder film – is the effect the killing had on how the Kennedy presidency would be viewed thereafter.

The Guardian

Christie, viewed by many as the most moderate would-be candidate in attendance, reeled off impressive statistics from his re-election victory in New Jersey last year as he received a predictably lukewarm response from the conservative-leaning audience.

The Guardian

The committee, which took evidence from civil servants, ministers, NGOs and Europe, criticised Britain for giving too much importance to economic development, which it too often viewed as a magic bullet in development.

The Guardian

The suggestion is viewed as a positive and pragmatic step by many, but there is no question it represents a significant retreat for the Church of England.

The Guardian

Wearable technology offers further feedback on the 'facts' of wellbeing, while people are increasingly viewed as unreliable narrators of their own lives.

The Guardian

He said a paper he filed on 24 November to Fifa showed why "when viewed in the context of the report it purported to summarise, no principled approach could justify the Eckert decision's edits, omissions and additions".

The Guardian - Sport

With Beijing hoping to further cement its foothold in a country viewed as offering the easiest entrance to Europe commercially, Chinese officials are eager to replicate Cosco's business model elsewhere.

The Guardian

The businessman, who in previous years has been critical of the Kremlin and who owns part of Novaya Gazeta, one of Russia's only independent newspapers, says that "now is not the time for criticism" and has come out in support of Russia's acts in Crimea, suggesting they could be viewed as a "pre-emptive humanitarian intervention".

The Guardian

This might be viewed simply as a reprisal for Saudi participation in the US-led bombing campaign against Isis, but Isis has also been seeking to extend the current conflict in Syria and Iraq into Saudi territory.

The Guardian - Opinion

As the press revelled in wild tales of high-society scandal and political cover-ups, Edgecombe started serving a sentence that he always viewed as unjust.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "viewed" in formal writing, ensure the subject clearly indicates who or what is doing the viewing to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "viewed" passively without a clear agent of action. Instead of "It was viewed as a success", specify who viewed it that way: "The team viewed it as a success".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "viewed" is as the past participle of the verb view, often used in the passive voice or as an adjective. It indicates something that has been seen or considered. Ludwig confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Wiki

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "viewed" is a versatile word predominantly used as the past participle of "view", functioning as an adjective or in passive voice constructions. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and frequently found in neutral to formal contexts such as news, business, and science. It expresses the idea of something having been seen, considered, or regarded in a certain way. Using "viewed" effectively involves ensuring clarity about who is doing the viewing and avoiding ambiguous passive constructions. Considering alternatives like "observed" or "regarded" can refine the nuance of your writing. Ludwig's examples showcase its widespread application across diverse reputable sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

observed

Emphasizes the act of watching something carefully.

regarded

Focuses on the manner of considering or thinking about someone or something.

considered

Highlights the act of thinking carefully about something, often before making a decision.

seen

A more general term for having looked at something, lacking the nuance of consideration.

witnessed

Implies having seen something happen, especially an event of significance.

perceived

Focuses on the way something is understood or interpreted.

inspected

Emphasizes a close and careful examination.

examined

Similar to inspected, but can also refer to a more abstract consideration.

contemplated

Suggests deep thought and reflection.

reviewed

Indicates a formal or official examination of something.

FAQs

How can I use "viewed" in a sentence?

You can use "viewed" to describe something that has been seen or considered. For example, "The film was "viewed" by millions of people" or "The proposal was "viewed" as a positive step".

What can I say instead of "viewed"?

Alternatives to "viewed" include "observed", "regarded", "considered", or "seen", depending on the specific context and intended meaning.

Which is correct, "viewed as" or "viewed like"?

"Viewed as" is generally the correct and more formal usage. "Viewed like" is less common and can sound informal or awkward in many contexts.

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

"Viewed" generally refers to the act of seeing or looking at something, either literally or figuratively. "Considered" implies a more thoughtful and deliberate assessment. For example, a landscape might be "viewed", while a proposal might be "considered".