were seen as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were seen as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate how something was perceived or regarded by others in the past. Example: "In the early 20th century, women were seen as primarily responsible for household duties."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They were seen as novelties.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The movements were seen as too contradictory.

The Economist

The ambitious options were seen as impractical.

The New Yorker

Both were seen as competent and honest.

The New York Times

conditions were seen as too onerous.

The New York Times

"These bikes were seen as classics.

The New York Times - Arts

We were seen as such meddlesome fools".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Taliban warriors were seen as heroes.

The New Yorker

They were seen as indiscriminate and predatory.

The Guardian

Even elopements were seen as abductions".

The New Yorker

Kids were seen as blank slates.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were seen as" to convey a general perception or common understanding of something in the past. For instance, "In the past, these practices were seen as normal."

Common error

Avoid using "were seen as" when referring to current perceptions; use "are seen as" instead. For example, use "are seen as essential" for current views and "were seen as essential" for past views.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were seen as" functions as a passive construction indicating how someone or something was perceived or regarded. Ludwig AI, analyzing numerous examples, confirms its usage in expressing past perceptions and evaluations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

15%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "were seen as" is a versatile and commonly used expression to describe how something was perceived or regarded in the past. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and general discussions. While alternatives like "were regarded as" and "were perceived as" exist, "were seen as" remains a clear and effective choice. Remember to use the correct tense ("are seen as" for current perceptions) to avoid errors. Its neutral register and frequency make it a reliable option for expressing past understandings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were regarded as

Emphasizes a formal evaluation or judgment.

were perceived as

Focuses on subjective understanding or impression.

were considered to be

Highlights a deliberative process of assessment.

were viewed as

Implies a specific perspective or viewpoint.

were understood as

Stresses comprehension or interpretation.

were known as

Indicates widespread recognition or familiarity.

were deemed to be

Suggests an official or authoritative assessment.

were thought of as

Emphasizes a general opinion or belief.

were interpreted as

Highlights the act of assigning meaning.

were characterized as

Focuses on describing distinctive qualities or traits.

FAQs

How can I use "were seen as" in a sentence?

Use "were seen as" to describe how something was perceived or understood in the past. For example, "These policies "were seen as controversial" at the time."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "were seen as"?

Alternatives include "were regarded as", "were perceived as", or "were considered to be" depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between "were seen as" and "are seen as"?

"Were seen as" indicates a past perception, while "are seen as" describes a current perception. For example, "They were seen as heroes" (in the past) versus "They are seen as leaders" (currently).

Is "were seen as" formal or informal?

The phrase "were seen as" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends on the overall tone and vocabulary of the writing.