what was considered

USAGE SUMMARY

"What was considered" is a perfectly valid and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that was thought of in the past, usually a thought or opinion. For example, "What was considered acceptable behavior a century ago is now seen as a faux-pas".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

My art was different from what was considered as art.

The Guardian - Arts

We played Italy at what was considered their own game.

The Guardian - Sport

What was considered dangerous a year ago is now deemed safe and legal.

The Guardian

Had there been a subtle shift in what was considered socially acceptable?

The Guardian

What was considered absolutely taboo when we were teenagers, now nobody raises an eyebrow.

The Guardian

In return, Mr. Buffett negotiated what was considered even then to be very favorable terms.

The New York Times

He couldn't remember what was considered an "appropriate" response so decided to randomise his answers.

The Guardian

Galliano was picketed and reviled, though, for what was considered a callous attitude toward the homeless.

The New Yorker

He was also denounced for what was considered sexually suggestive conduct on stage.

The New York Times

SUPERSIZE PROGRAMMING What was considered hoopla in the 1960s qualifies as understatement by today's standards.

The New York Times - Sports

"There's no doubt that they transformed what was considered taste in radio, and others soon followed".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what was considered" to introduce a viewpoint or practice that has shifted over time. This highlights changes in societal norms, scientific understanding, or personal opinions.

Common error

Avoid shifting tenses inappropriately when using "what was considered". Ensure the surrounding sentences maintain a consistent past tense to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what was considered" functions as a nominal clause, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It introduces a concept or idea that was evaluated or perceived in a particular way at some point in the past. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what was considered" is a versatile phrase used to introduce past perspectives, beliefs, or practices. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable. It's most frequently found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, showing its relevance in objective reporting and analysis. When using this phrase, maintain tense consistency and provide clear context to avoid misinterpretations. Consider alternatives such as "what used to be regarded" for nuanced expression. The phrase helps to highlight the evolution of thought and understanding over time, providing valuable context in various forms of writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what used to be regarded

Replaces "considered" with "regarded", emphasizing a past perception that was commonly held.

what was formerly believed

Substitutes "considered" with "believed", focusing on a past conviction or opinion.

what once was deemed

Replaces "considered" with "deemed", implying a formal judgment or assessment made in the past.

what had been thought of

Uses "thought of" instead of "considered", emphasizing a past reflection or idea.

what was previously viewed as

Replaces "considered" with "viewed as", focusing on how something was perceived in the past.

what was traditionally seen

Highlights a conventional or customary perspective from the past.

what was historically understood

Focuses on a past comprehension or interpretation, adding a historical context.

what people used to think was

Emphasizes a widespread, past belief or opinion among people.

what earlier generations valued

Highlights something valued by people in a past generation.

how things were perceived back then

Provides a more general reference to past perceptions, less formal than "considered".

FAQs

How can I use "what was considered" in a sentence?

You can use "what was considered" to introduce a concept, practice, or belief that has changed over time. For example: "What was considered a luxury item all of a sudden becomes: got to have it".

What's the difference between "what was considered" and "what was regarded"?

While both phrases are similar, "what was considered" implies a more thoughtful evaluation, whereas "what was regarded" suggests a general opinion or view.

Which is correct: "what was considered" or "what is considered"?

The choice depends on the context. Use "what was considered" for past perspectives and "what is considered" for current perspectives.

What can I say instead of "what was considered"?

You can use alternatives like "what used to be regarded", "what was formerly believed", or "what once was deemed" depending on the context.