Implicit understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Implicit understanding" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a mutual comprehension or agreement that is not explicitly stated but is understood by the parties involved. Example: "Their implicit understanding of each other's needs made their collaboration seamless and effective."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"I would describe it much more as an implicit understanding.

The New Yorker

And it has developed an implicit understanding with neighbouring cities.

The Economist

It's interpretive, not mechanical — though the answer often boils down to an implicit understanding of commas.

The New Yorker

Nothing of a personal nature — no vow, no implicit understanding — held them together.

The New Yorker

But he said there was an implicit understanding that high-ranking officials were off limits.

The New York Times

These included, supremely, an implicit understanding of what makes professional footballers function at optimum levels.

Independent

I think he has a pretty implicit understanding of what he bought into and he sees it more clearly now.

The Guardian - Sport

There was an implicit understanding, when power was being abused, that by God, it would be done right.

The Guardian - Business

It had argued that the big firms might arrive at an implicit understanding to restrict industry supply.

The Economist

"They had reached an implicit understanding that neither believed the other could be blamed for any general failures in their shared life," Mr. Bock writes.

The New York Times - Books

"When you say a job will be there in 12 months, the implicit understanding is it will be there if the business will support it," Mr. Miller said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "Implicit understanding" to describe situations where communication is subtle and relies on shared context, enriching the narrative and showcasing the characters' connection.

Common error

Avoid using "Implicit understanding" when an agreement has been clearly stated or formalized. Reserve it for scenarios where the understanding is tacit and not directly communicated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Implicit understanding" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a state of mutual comprehension that is not openly expressed but is nonetheless present. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples illustrating its use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Implicit understanding" is a common noun phrase that signifies a shared comprehension or agreement not explicitly stated. Ludwig's analysis, supported by numerous examples from news, science, and business sources, confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. The phrase serves to convey nuanced relationships and unspoken expectations. When writing, use it to describe situations where communication is subtle and relies on shared context, but avoid using it when agreements are formalized. Alternatives include "Tacit agreement" and "Unspoken accord". Ludwig AI highlights the phrase's versatility and relevance across various communication contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Tacit agreement

Focuses on the agreement aspect, emphasizing that it's unstated.

Unspoken accord

Highlights the harmony or agreement that exists without being voiced.

Understood without saying

Directly indicates that the concept is grasped without explicit communication.

Mutual recognition

Emphasizes the shared acknowledgment of a fact or situation.

Common knowledge

Indicates that something is widely known and accepted.

Presumed awareness

Suggests that knowledge or understanding is assumed to be present.

Implied consent

Highlights consent that is not expressly granted but inferred from actions.

Assumed knowledge

Stresses the assumption that information is already known.

Inferred meaning

Focuses on the meaning that is derived or deduced from something unsaid.

Subtextual comprehension

Emphasizes the understanding of underlying or implicit meanings.

FAQs

How can "Implicit understanding" be used in a sentence?

"Implicit understanding" describes a situation where there's a mutual comprehension without explicit communication. For example: "There was an "implicit understanding" that everyone would contribute to the project."

What are some alternatives to "Implicit understanding"?

You can use alternatives like "Tacit agreement", "Unspoken accord", or "Mutual recognition" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "Implicit understanding" in formal writing?

Yes, "Implicit understanding" is appropriate for formal writing when describing a shared, unstated comprehension. It adds nuance and depth, particularly in professional or academic contexts.

What's the difference between "Implicit understanding" and "Explicit agreement"?

"Implicit understanding" refers to a comprehension that isn't directly stated, while "Explicit agreement" is a clearly articulated and formalized agreement. They represent opposite ends of the communication spectrum.