an implicit understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an implicit understanding" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a mutual agreement or comprehension that is not explicitly stated but is understood by the parties involved. Example: "Despite never discussing the terms, there was an implicit understanding between them that they would support each other in their endeavors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 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

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

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

For this reason, it was easy to make friends in Berlin, but there was always an implicit understanding that the friendship was finite.

The Guardian

And there exists an implicit understanding that professional athletes stand outside the supposed ethical constraints placed on amateurs (tell that to the US Masters racing scene).

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

One of those firms is Triumph Capital and its general counsel, Charles B. Spadoni, who were charged with racketeering, bribery and obstruction of justice for what the prosecution describes as an "understanding" and an "implicit" agreement involving the company, Mr. Spadoni and Mr. Silvester.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an implicit understanding" when you want to convey that a shared agreement or comprehension exists without needing explicit articulation. It's effective in describing subtle dynamics in relationships, negotiations, or social contexts.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "an implicit understanding" carries the same weight as a formally agreed upon contract. While it signifies a shared awareness, it lacks the enforceable nature of an explicit agreement and can lead to misunderstandings if not carefully managed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an implicit understanding" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI shows it describes a shared comprehension that isn't explicitly stated, relying on context and assumption.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an implicit understanding" is a versatile phrase denoting a shared comprehension or agreement that's not explicitly stated. As validated by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media. While semantically similar alternatives like "a tacit understanding" and "an unspoken agreement" exist, "an implicit understanding" is suitable for describing nuanced dynamics where unspoken rules or expectations are at play. When using this phrase, be aware of the potential for misinterpretation, as it doesn't carry the same enforceable weight as an explicit agreement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a tacit understanding

Replaces "implicit" with "tacit", emphasizing the unspoken nature of the understanding.

an unspoken agreement

Focuses on the agreement aspect, highlighting that it wasn't explicitly voiced.

a mutual understanding

Highlights the shared nature of the understanding between parties.

a shared assumption

Shifts the focus to the idea of a common belief or premise.

a common assumption

Similar to "shared assumption", but emphasizes the widespread acceptance of the belief.

an understood agreement

Slightly rephrases the original, stressing that the agreement is comprehended.

a silent consensus

Emphasizes the agreement aspect, portraying it as a silent, collective acceptance.

an unstated assumption

Highlights that the assumption is not explicitly articulated.

an unwritten rule

Changes the concept to a rule, but still maintains the implicit nature.

a general consensus

Highlights the wide acceptance and agreement.

FAQs

How can I use "an implicit understanding" in a sentence?

You can use "an implicit understanding" to describe unspoken agreements or shared assumptions between people or groups. For example: "There was "an implicit understanding" that they would keep each other's secrets."

What phrases are similar to "an implicit understanding"?

Similar phrases include "a tacit understanding", "an unspoken agreement", and "a mutual understanding". These alternatives emphasize the unstated nature of the agreement or comprehension.

Is there a difference between "an implicit understanding" and "an explicit agreement"?

"An implicit understanding" is an agreement or comprehension that is not directly stated, while "an explicit agreement" is clearly and directly expressed. One is assumed, the other is declared.

When is it appropriate to use "an implicit understanding" in writing?

It's suitable when describing situations where an agreement is understood without being formally discussed. This can be useful in describing relationships, social dynamics, or business negotiations where unspoken rules are in play.