are best understood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are best understood" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing how certain concepts, ideas, or phenomena are comprehended or interpreted most effectively. Example: "Complex theories in physics are best understood through practical experiments and real-world applications."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Practice guidelines are best understood as a tool to insure that children receive evidence-based care.

Stanford University

Legal systems are best understood as highly complex and sophisticated tools for creating and applying plans.

Harvard University

Giotto's commissions are best understood against the background of this social turmoil.

Harvard University

However, there is no evidence that these experiences are best understood as illnesses with biological causes.

The Guardian

But Jefferson's political ideals are best understood through argument and language rather than image.

The New York Times - Arts

All political forms, he writes, are best understood as sacred ideas in secular dress.

The New Yorker

Mask and costume are best understood as a unit and in performance.

Britannica

The mainstream political parties are best understood as vehicles for sharing out campaign funds.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Tuesday's arguments, then, are best understood as an attempt by both sides to sway Kennedy.

The New Yorker

In fact, she argues, intellectual virtues are best understood as a subset of the moral virtues.

SEP

Although sirtuins are best understood in the context of protein deacetylation, the founding member of this gene family, Sir2, was first described as a mono-ADP ribosyltransferase [ 47].

Aging

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are best understood", ensure that you provide context for what elements or factors contribute to this understanding. For example, "Historical events are best understood by examining primary source documents."

Common error

Avoid using "are best understood" without specifying who or what group is doing the understanding. Be clear about the audience or perspective from which something is best understood. For example, instead of saying 'The data are best understood', specify 'The data are best understood by experienced analysts'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are best understood" functions as a passive construction indicating the optimal or most effective way to comprehend a particular subject or concept. Ludwig AI shows it's frequently used to highlight a specific method or context that leads to the clearest comprehension.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

25%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are best understood" serves to emphasize a specific pathway or perspective for achieving optimal comprehension. Ludwig AI's analysis of numerous examples reveals it to be grammatically sound and frequently employed across varied contexts such as science, news, and academia. While its register leans toward neutral to formal, its adaptability makes it a versatile tool for effective communication. When employing this phrase, remember to provide clear context and specify the reference group for whom the understanding applies to avoid ambiguity and ensure clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are most clearly understood

Emphasizes clarity in understanding.

are most easily grasped

Focuses on the ease of understanding.

are optimally interpreted

Highlights interpretation as the key aspect.

are properly conceptualized

Stresses the importance of correct conceptualization.

are accurately perceived

Focuses on the accuracy of perception.

are effectively contextualized

Emphasizes the importance of context for understanding.

can be best explained

Shifts focus to the explanation aspect.

can be best appreciated

Highlights the value of appreciating the subject.

can be best approached

Focuses on the optimal method of approaching a subject.

are suitably comprehended

Indicates appropriate comprehension.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "are best understood" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "are most effectively grasped" or "are optimally interpreted".

What does it mean when something "are best understood" in a certain way?

It means that a particular method, context, or perspective provides the clearest and most accurate comprehension of the subject. This suggests other methods might be less effective.

How do you use "are best understood" in a sentence?

You typically follow "are best understood" with a description of the specific conditions, methods, or contexts that lead to optimal understanding. For instance, "Complex systems are best understood through simulation and modeling".

What's the difference between "are best understood" and "are well understood"?

"Are well understood" implies a general level of comprehension, whereas "are best understood" suggests a superior or optimal way of achieving understanding. The latter indicates that there may be other, less effective, methods of comprehension.