Understanding the Phrase "Regard As"
When you want to express your opinion about how someone or something should be classified, the phrase "regard as" is one of the most useful tools in your English vocabulary. It allows you to state your perspective or how society generally perceives a person, object, or idea. Whether you are discussing professional opinions or personal beliefs, mastering this phrase will help you sound more precise and articulate.
What Does "Regard As" Mean?
At its core, "regard as" is a verb phrase that means to consider or think of someone or something in a specific way. It is almost always used to describe an assessment of character, quality, or status. When you regard someone as something, you are assigning them a label or a role based on your judgment.
For example:
- Most experts regard climate change as the most pressing issue of our time.
- She is regarded as the best surgeon in the entire hospital.
Grammar Patterns and Usage
The structure of this phrase is quite consistent in English. You generally follow this simple pattern:
Subject + regard + object + as + noun/adjective/description
Active Voice
In the active voice, the person doing the considering is the subject. You use the verb regard, followed by the person or thing being judged, and then the word as followed by the status or quality being assigned.
- The company regards customer feedback as vital to their success.
- We regard his contribution as essential to the project's completion.
Passive Voice
The passive voice is extremely common when using "regard as." It is often used to describe how a group of people, society, or the general public feels about a specific subject.
- He is regarded as an expert in his field.
- The city is regarded as one of the safest places to live in the country.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most common mistake learners make is forgetting the word "as." You cannot simply say "I regard him a genius." You must include the preposition to connect the subject to the description.
Another frequent error is confusing "regard as" with "consider." While they have similar meanings, their grammatical structures are different:
- Correct: I regard him as a friend.
- Correct: I consider him a friend. (Note: You do not use "as" with "consider" in this specific context).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is "regard as" formal or informal?
"Regard as" is generally considered formal or neutral. It sounds professional in academic papers, business reports, and news articles. In very casual conversation, people might use "think of him as" or "see him as" instead.
Can I use "regard as" in the present continuous tense?
Yes, you can, but it is less common. You might say, "We are regarding this development as a positive step," though the simple present ("We regard this...") usually sounds more natural.
Is "regard" the same as "regarding"?
No. "Regarding" is a preposition that means "about" or "concerning." Do not confuse it with the verb phrase "regard as," which expresses an opinion or classification.
Conclusion
The phrase "regard as" is an essential building block for expressing opinions clearly and professionally. By understanding that it functions as a way to assign status or definition to a subject, you can use it to enhance your writing and speech. Remember to keep the "as" in your sentence, and you will find it becomes a natural part of your English toolkit in no time.