widely regarded

USAGE SUMMARY

"widely regarded" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate that something is held in high esteem or viewed favorably by many people. For example, "The author is widely regarded as one of the greatest writers of his generation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Isakson was widely regarded as a conservative.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Estonia is widely regarded as a star.

The Economist

They are widely regarded as expensive.

The Economist

He is widely regarded as a problem.

The New York Times

"Widely regarded by whom?" he challenged, suspiciously.

The New Yorker

Andorra is widely regarded as Snaith's most satisfying work.

The Guardian - Music

It's widely regarded as one of the first computing machines.

The Guardian - Tech

He is widely regarded as the founder of mathematical economics.

The New Yorker

Today, both films are widely regarded as classics.

The Guardian - Film

The film is widely regarded as one of Disney's finest.

The Guardian - Film

And this was widely regarded as only a first installment.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "widely regarded" when you want to convey that a particular opinion or assessment is held by a large number of people, especially experts or those knowledgeable in a field.

Common error

Avoid using "widely regarded" without supporting evidence or context. Ensure that the claim is genuinely supported by credible sources or established knowledge, as unsubstantiated use can weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "widely regarded" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It qualifies a noun by indicating a common or popular opinion about it. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase is used to convey that something is viewed positively by many people.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

16%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "widely regarded" is a phrase used to indicate that something is held in high esteem or viewed favorably by a large segment of people, particularly experts. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and common occurrence across diverse fields. As seen in the examples, its frequency is notable in news, media, and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the claim is substantiated and appropriate for the register of your writing. Consider using alternatives like "generally considered" or "universally acknowledged" to fine-tune the meaning. Remember that the best choice will hinge on the particular nuances you want to emphasize.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

widely acknowledged

Similar to "widely regarded", but emphasizes the act of recognizing something as true or valid.

widely recognized

Highlights the broad awareness of something's existence or importance.

generally considered

Replaces "regarded" with "considered", emphasizing a more thoughtful evaluation by a larger group.

well-respected

Similar to "highly esteemed", but can refer to someone's character and ability.

commonly perceived

Focuses on the public's understanding or belief, rather than expert opinion.

broadly accepted

Suggests a more passive agreement, lacking the element of active evaluation.

universally acknowledged

Indicates near-total agreement, a stronger claim than "widely regarded".

largely believed

Puts emphasis on the idea that something is a common belief.

highly esteemed

Highlights the positive value or respect given to something or someone.

frequently cited

Emphasizes the frequency of being referenced, rather than the quality of perception.

FAQs

What does "widely regarded" mean?

The phrase "widely regarded" means that something is held in high esteem or viewed favorably by a large number of people or experts.

How can I use "widely regarded" in a sentence?

You can use "widely regarded" to describe someone or something that is generally well-respected. For instance, "The scientist is "widely regarded" as a pioneer in her field."

What are some alternatives to "widely regarded"?

Alternatives to "widely regarded" include "generally considered", "commonly perceived", or "universally acknowledged" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "widely regarded" or "widely recognized"?

The best choice depends on the context. "Widely regarded" implies a positive assessment or opinion, while "widely recognized" simply means that something is well-known or acknowledged. Choose "widely regarded" when you want to emphasize respect or approval, and "widely recognized" when you want to highlight awareness.