と考えられる
Can be considered as, Is thought to be, One can think that, It is conceivable that
Structure
Explanation
To put forward an objective conclusion in Japanese, the phrase と考えられる is commonly employed. It is formed by combining the particle と with the potential/passive auxiliary verb られる. This structure is often translated as 'it is thought that (A)', 'it can be concluded that (A)', or 'is considered to be (A)'.
Since と考えられる is preceded by the particle と, it usually comes at the end of a full clause, effectively treating the clause as a quotation.
- 睡眠不足がこの病気の原因だと考えられる。A lack of sleep is considered to be the cause of this illness.
- スマートフォンの普及により、人のコミュニケーション方法が変わったと考えられる。It can be concluded that the way people communicate has changed due to the widespread use of smartphones.
Conversely, to express a personal judgment or subjective inference, と思われる is used.
- 私には、この計画にはまだ問題があると思われる。It seems to me that this plan still has some issues.
- 私には、その言い訳は本当ではないと思われる。To me, that excuse doesn't seem to be true.
Caution
While both can be similar, と考えられる implies a logical judgment based on evidence, whereas と考えられている is generally used for opinions that are widely held by the public or experts.
Fun-fact
The main distinction between subjective and objective statements is their basis. An objective statement is grounded in verifiable evidence and facts, aiming for impartiality. A subjective statement, however, arises from personal feelings, tastes, or experiences and is not necessarily based on provable reality.
Examples
少子化は今後もさらに進むと考えられる。
It is thought that the declining birthrate will continue to advance from now on.
この事故の原因は、運転手の不注意だと考えられている。
The cause of this accident is considered to be driver negligence.
AIの発展は、社会を大きく変えると考えられる。
It is conceivable that the development of AI will significantly change society.
円安の影響で、輸入品の価格は高いままと考えられる。
Due to the weak yen, it is thought that the price of imported goods will remain high.
これは契約違反（だ）ということも考えられませんか？
Couldn't this be considered a breach of contract?
この足跡から、大型の動物が通ったと考えられます。
From these tracks, it can be inferred that a large animal passed through here.
彼の態度は真剣ではないと考えられる。
His attitude can be considered not to be serious.
恐竜の絶滅は、隕石の衝突が原因だと考えられている。
The extinction of the dinosaurs is thought to have been caused by a meteorite impact.
地球温暖化が大きな要因だと考えられる。
Global warming is considered to be a major factor.
ストレスが彼の健康に影響を与えていると考えられる。
It is thought that stress is affecting his health.
この出来事は将来に大きな影響を及ぼすと考えられるが、現時点では不明だ。
It is believed that this event will have a large impact on the future, but at the present time that is unclear.
湿度が高いことがカビが生えやすい原因だと考えられる。
It is thought that high humidity is the reason mold grows so easily.