Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
all understood that
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "all understood that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a group of people has a shared comprehension or agreement about something. Example: "After the meeting, it was clear that all understood that the project deadline had been moved up."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Formal & Business
Science
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
37 human-written examples
But all understood that, as Mill added, with the succinct clarity of distance, "the day when slavery can no longer extend itself is the day of its doom.
News & Media
They all understood that government must be sensitive to environmental vulnerability.
News & Media
Abraham Lincoln, Ronald Reagan, and Bill Clinton all understood that articulating principles isn't enough, that leading involves compromise with opposing parties.
News & Media
I think they all understood that.
News & Media
I think we all understood that.
News & Media
We have all understood that we can achieve something together".
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
23 human-written examples
The players all understand that.
News & Media
I hope we can all understand that?
News & Media
Politics is something that we can all understand, that is the fucking definition of it".
News & Media
We can all understand that.
News & Media
Perhaps now we'll all understand that little bit better.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "all understood that", ensure that the context clearly establishes who "all" refers to. Avoid ambiguity by specifying the group or individuals involved.
Common error
Avoid using "all understood that" in overly complex sentences. Break down long sentences to improve readability and clarity. Overuse can make your writing seem convoluted and difficult to follow.
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "all understood that" functions as a connector in sentences, introducing a subordinate clause that explains something that was commonly known or accepted. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically correct way to express shared comprehension. The examples confirm this usage across diverse source domains.
Frequent in
News & Media
79%
Formal & Business
15%
Science
6%
Less common in
Wiki
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "all understood that" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to indicate shared comprehension or agreement. According to Ludwig AI, its use is considered correct in written English. It's most commonly found in news and media contexts, followed by formal business and scientific writing. The phrase functions as a connector, introducing subordinate clauses that explain what was commonly known. While acceptable in various settings, being mindful of sentence complexity and clarifying the "all" can improve clarity. Alternatives such as "everyone was aware that" or "it was generally accepted that" can offer subtle variations in meaning.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
everyone comprehended that
Replaces "all" with "everyone" and "understood" with "comprehended", slightly altering the emphasis but retaining the core meaning.
they were all aware that
Shifts from understanding to awareness, changing the verb while keeping the sense of shared knowledge.
it was universally known that
Emphasizes the widespread nature of the knowledge, using a more formal tone.
they all recognized that
Substitutes "understood" with "recognized", focusing on acknowledgment rather than comprehension.
it was generally accepted that
Highlights the agreement aspect of understanding, suggesting a consensus.
they collectively grasped that
Emphasizes the group's shared understanding, using a slightly more formal verb.
the consensus was that
Focuses solely on the agreement, omitting the specific act of understanding.
all parties were cognizant that
Replaces "understood" with the more formal "cognizant", and shifts to "parties" to emphasize individual acknowledgement.
the implication was clear to all that
Suggests the understanding was derived from an implication, rather than direct communication.
they commonly believed that
Highlights the belief aspect, suggesting a shared conviction rather than pure understanding.
FAQs
How can I use "all understood that" in a sentence?
You can use "all understood that" to indicate a shared comprehension or agreement among a group of people. For example, "After the presentation, "all understood that" the budget cuts were necessary".
What are some alternatives to "all understood that"?
Alternatives include phrases like "everyone was aware that", "it was generally accepted that", or "they all knew that", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.
Is it better to use "all understood that" or "everyone understood that"?
Both "all understood that" and "everyone understood that" are grammatically correct and largely interchangeable. The choice depends on stylistic preference and the specific context. "All" might imply a more formal or comprehensive agreement.
What's the difference between ""all understood that"" and "all were in agreement that"?
"All understood that" emphasizes comprehension, while "all were in agreement that" focuses on consensus. The former suggests a shared understanding of facts, while the latter implies a shared opinion or decision.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested