considered neighbours, the

[ademoglu]

Hello,

Right Word, Wrong Word (page 41)

- Considered as neighbours, the Clarks are reasonable enough.

Can I omit 'as' or put 'to be' in the above sentence?

- Considered neighbours, the Clarks are reasonable enough.
- Considered to be neighbours, the Clarks are reasonable enough.

Thanks.

 

[ademoglu]

Yes, but the meaning changes.

I cannot understand how the third one (considered to be) is different from the original one.

 

[MikeNewYork]

Nor can I.

 

[SoothingDave]

In "considered (to be) neighbors" there is some question about whether they actually are neighbors or not. You are establishing that, although it may not be apparent, they are indeed neighbors.

In "considered as neighbors" the fact that they are neighbors is taken as given. You are considering the aspects of how well they suit your needs for what a "neighbor" should be. The Clarks might be good as doctors, or scuba divers. Even as best friends. But as neighbors, they suck.