is considered to be valid

[olegv]

Please explain to me what is the difference between - the contract was considered to be valid and the contract was considered valid, the contract was held to be valid and the contract was held valid. What the grammar rules should appy here? Many thanks

 

[billmcd]

Please explain to me what is the difference between - the contract was considered to be valid and the contract was considered valid, the contract was held to be valid and the contract was held valid. What the grammar rules should appy here? Many thanks

I don't infer much difference in meaning in any of your examples, except that "held" and "held to be" seem more formal and may have some more significance in legal terms.