are commonly understood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are commonly understood" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing concepts, terms, or ideas that are widely recognized or accepted by a group of people. Example: "The rules of chess are commonly understood by players around the world, making it easier to engage in international competitions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Industrial ceramics are commonly understood to be all industrially used materials that are inorganic, nonmetallic solids.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As I wrote on Thursday, recessions are commonly understood as disruptive rather than destructive to the economy as a whole.

The New York Times

And the Times is writing about this, closing the loop.Rather than rely on dictionaries, statute-writers should be as careful as possible to use words in the way that they are commonly understood (especially in quality edited writing).

The Economist

There is disagreement over the distance that the positive effects of clustering actually extend to, however, meaning that the generation of synergetic 'cluster effects' (as they are commonly understood) between firms in Manchester and firms in Newcastle for example could prove difficult.

The Guardian

The resulting message, she wrote, was that people who participate in demonstrations or are simply near demonstrators run the risk of arrest, even if they are not marching in roadways or engaging in other activities that are commonly understood to involve the possibility of arrest.

The New York Times

Intimate relationships are commonly understood to provide a source of social support within the general population.

Health & Justice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

That's not a restaurant as it's commonly understood; it's Brigadoon".

The New Yorker

Since then, the phrase "penguin media" has been commonly understood in my country.

The Guardian - Opinion

They worry that the supply of homes overshot demand by far more than is commonly understood.

The New York Times

Yellow, for falls, is commonly understood as a symbol for caution, whether by janitors mopping floors or by traffic engineers.

The New York Times

They have not put the lives of tens of millions of Americans under "surveillance" as that word is commonly understood.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are commonly understood", ensure that the context clearly defines who commonly understands the concept. Specify the group or field for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "are commonly understood" when the concept is only understood within a specific niche or expert community. Be precise about who shares this common understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are commonly understood" functions as a qualifier, indicating that certain concepts or ideas possess a shared and widespread comprehension within a specified group or context. Ludwig examples show it qualifying terms in science, law, and general knowledge.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are commonly understood" serves as a qualifier, signaling that specific ideas or concepts are widely recognized and comprehended, particularly within a defined group or context. Ludwig's analysis reveals its prevalent use in scientific and news-related domains, as well as encyclopedic entries, with a neutral register suitable for diverse communication styles. Common alternative are "are widely recognized", "are generally accepted", or "are well-known". As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are generally accepted

Focuses on the acceptance rather than the understanding of a concept.

are widely recognized

Emphasizes the breadth of recognition, rather than the depth of understanding.

are well-known

Highlights the familiarity of the concept.

are broadly perceived

Focuses on perception, which may not always equate to full understanding.

are conventionally interpreted

Emphasizes the standard or traditional interpretation.

are typically construed

Highlights a specific way of understanding or interpreting something.

are popularly conceived

Focuses on how a concept is imagined or believed by the general public.

are routinely understood

Highlights the habitual or regular nature of the understanding.

are frequently appreciated

Focuses on a positive evaluation or understanding.

are easily grasped

Emphasizes the simplicity or ease of understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "are commonly understood" in a sentence?

Use "are commonly understood" to introduce concepts or terms that are generally known or accepted within a particular group or field. For example, "The basic principles of economics "are commonly understood" by business professionals".

What is a good alternative to "are commonly understood"?

Alternatives include "are widely recognized", "are generally accepted", or "are well-known" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "are commonly understood" or "is commonly understood"?

Use "are commonly understood" for plural subjects and "is commonly understood" for singular subjects. For example, "The rules are commonly understood" versus "The concept is commonly understood".

What does it mean when something "is commonly understood"?

It means that the concept, idea, or term is generally known and accepted by a significant portion of people, especially within a specific context or field. It implies a shared base of knowledge.