It can be regarded as vs It may be regarded as

Both phrases are correct and commonly used. They have a similar meaning and can be used interchangeably. The choice between "can" and "may" depends on personal preference.

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Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: March 20, 2025 • 5562 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"It can be regarded as"

This phrase is used to suggest that something is considered or seen as a particular thing or in a particular way.

Show examples from the web [+]

It can be regarded as a kind of moral duty but also as being in the interests of the European Union, which, of course, has nothing to gain from lawlessness and poverty in a very large neighbouring country.
Therefore, it can be regarded as an appropriate refinancing instrument.
I am not sure that it is sufficient justification for a directive that it can be regarded as just fairly harmless.
As the aid classified as R&D in the IBP was provided by KBN it can be regarded as compatible aid.
If a hazard is present in the GMO, it is always present and it can be regarded as an inherent property.
Food waste has assumed such proportions that it can be regarded as a global problem that is reflected right along the food supply chain, from the field to the fork.
At the same time, though, we have ensured that, when considered over the space of two weeks, it can be regarded as an acceptable amount from the point of view of safety.
The event is one of the most important annual sports events in Norway, has a long tradition and it can be regarded as having a generally recognised, distinct cultural importance for the Norwegian population.
The contributions to the schemes should function as a mutual insurance mechanism and not be at such a high level as it can be regarded as a tax or as a payment of a fiscal nature.
Following long negotiations, it can be regarded as a success that the admissibility barrier has been lowered from the level of 300000 signatures and the number of Member States reduced to a quarter.
The Framework Agreement on Parental Leave is an important aspect of equal opportunities policy supporting reconciliation of professional, private and family life, however it sets out only minimum requirements, so it can only be regarded as a first step measure.
We should not wait until Turkey's situation in regard to human rights, democracy, and so on, is such that it can seriously be regarded as a candidate country.
It can therefore not be regarded as disproportionate to the objectives of the Treaty with regards to State Aid.
It can therefore not be regarded as disproportionate to the objectives of the EC Treaty as regards state aid [15].
An R & D pole is not a credible competitor if it can not be regarded as a close substitute for the parties' R & D effort from the viewpoint of, for instance, access to resources or timing.
Neither can it be regarded as an instance of the exercise of public power prerogatives by the State or by a body under its responsibility.
Can it be regarded as illegal state aid?
Fourth, according to the applicant, it is apparent from neither the statement of grounds in the contested decision nor the underlying national decision that it can still be regarded as facilitating terrorist acts.
The purpose is this provision is clear, but it can be hardly regarded as constituting "specific measures aimed, in particular, at laying down the conditions of application of the Treaties to those regions" within the meaning of Article 349 TFEU.
Violence which takes place in close relationships is not a private matter; neither can it be regarded as something to be negotiated between the parties concerned.

Alternatives:

it may be seen as
it could be considered as
it might be viewed as
it is often perceived as
it is commonly thought of as

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"It may be regarded as"

This phrase is used to indicate that something is possibly considered or seen as a particular thing or in a particular way.

Show examples from the web [+]

Should the measure constitute State aid, the Authority has doubts as to whether it may be regarded as compatible with the functioning of the EEA Agreement.
For this very reason, it may be regarded as an important step forward that the European Parliament will shortly adopt the report on the gas market.
2. By way of derogation from paragraph 1, training of operating personnel and testing of a project and its equipment may be regarded as eligible expenditure for any necessary period defined in the Commission decision.
It may be regarded as being the bright spot for the European environment and for the fruitful development which LIFE is trying to promote thanks to a creative strategy in which new methods and technologies are used.
The Commission gives technical committees an important role in determining when waste ceases to be waste or when an activity may be regarded as disposal and when it may be regarded as recovery.
A vehicle may be regarded as belonging in more than one Class. In such a case it may be approved for each Class to which it corresponds.
Thus it considers that such aid may be regarded as compatible with Article 87(3)(c) of the Treaty, provided that the following conditions are met.
It also contains a non-exhaustive list of types of wood which may be regarded as an indicative list of woods suitable for the production of smoke flavourings.
However, it may be regarded by the national court as evidence for the purpose of determining the exporter's position.
There are therefore usable methods which may be regarded as secure at the present state of technology.
The petrol companies' activities may be regarded as cross-border for a number of reasons.
You bringing her to their party may be regarded as hostile.
These two different statements may be regarded as paradoxical.
The French checks may be regarded as expedient and is having no negative effects.
This general requirement is supplemented by a list of terms which may be regarded as unfair.
Mr Bonde's proposal may be regarded as poorly thought through.
Inhibition values higher than 50 % may be regarded as positive.
Inhibition values higher than 50 % may be regarded as positive.
To lose one aircraft may be regarded as a misfortune.
That dilution may be regarded as containing one HA unit (HAU).

Alternatives:

it can be seen as
it could be regarded as
it might be considered as
it is often perceived as
it is commonly thought of as

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It can be regarded as vs It may be regarded as

"It can be regarded as"

"It may be regarded as"

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