are commonly understood as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are commonly understood as" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when explaining how a term, concept, or phrase is perceived or interpreted by a general audience. Example: "In many cultures, certain colors are commonly understood as symbols of luck and prosperity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

Since mergers and acquisitions (M&As) are commonly understood as a "quick" way to source technologies [1] and may have a disruptive impact on the future competitive landscape [2], the problem of the validity and legitimacy of prognoses made on the basis of these deals becomes highly vibrant.

European Journal of Futures Research

These are commonly understood as "21st-century skills".

Huffington Post

Another is to help officers become aware of their "conceptual baselines," their "beliefs that don't have a basis in fact," which outside COPS training manuals are commonly understood as prejudices.

Vice

Uncaring experiences are commonly understood as a barrier to professional development of caring.

BMC Medical Education

While patient-provider interactions are commonly understood as mutually constructed relationships, the role of patient behaviour, participation in interactions, and characteristics, particularly ideals surrounding notions of 'good' and 'bad' patients, are under-examined.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

"Since the Soviet days, having a baby in Russia has been commonly understood as a nightmare of understaffed state hospitals and forbidding bureaucratic mazes".

The Guardian

That gap is commonly understood as the average Republican having been more likely to cast a vote in 2010 than the average Democrat.

The New York Times

The finding, Mr. Grafton said, means that Gutenberg was not the inventor of movable type in the way it is commonly understood: as bits of identical type that are created from metal molds.

The New York Times - Arts

What gives the Shaggs' music its power has something to do with the clash between its deficits in what is commonly understood as standard musicality and the palpable earnestness — even vulnerability — of the performers.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are commonly understood as" to introduce a concept or definition that is widely accepted, but may not be explicitly stated or formally defined. It's useful for bridging the gap between formal knowledge and general awareness.

Common error

Avoid using "are commonly understood as" in contexts that require precise, technical definitions. Opt for more formal phrases like "are defined as" or "are known as" in academic papers or legal documents for enhanced clarity and accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are commonly understood as" functions as a descriptor, indicating a general or popular interpretation of a concept, term, or phenomenon. It highlights a shared understanding rather than a formal definition. As Ludwig AI indicates, this expression is grammatically correct and versatile.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are commonly understood as" serves as a useful tool to express a shared perception or interpretation of a concept. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and versatile, appearing in various contexts from news and media to scientific literature. While suitable for general explanations, it is advisable to use more formal language in highly technical or legal contexts. Alternatives like ""are generally recognized as"" or ""are widely accepted as"" can provide nuanced variations in meaning. Remember to choose the most precise wording for the intended audience and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are generally recognized as

This alternative replaces "commonly understood" with "generally recognized", emphasizing widespread acknowledgment rather than comprehension.

are widely accepted as

This phrase shifts the focus to acceptance, suggesting a consensus of agreement rather than just understanding.

are typically considered as

Using "typically considered" implies a standard or usual viewpoint, similar to common understanding.

are usually interpreted as

This alternative highlights the act of interpretation, suggesting a specific way of assigning meaning.

are conventionally regarded as

This phrase emphasizes the conventional or traditional view of something.

are popularly known as

This alternative focuses on popular knowledge or awareness, rather than a deeper understanding.

are believed to be

This phrase expresses a belief or opinion held by many, which may or may not be based on complete understanding.

are deemed to be

This option suggests a judgment or assessment made by a collective.

are perceived as

This highlights a particular perception or impression that is common.

are defined as

This alternative is suitable when referring to a formal definition or established meaning.

FAQs

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

The phrase "are commonly understood as" is used to introduce a concept or idea that is generally accepted or perceived in a particular way. For example, "In many cultures, dreams "are commonly understood as" messages from the subconscious."

What are some alternatives to "are commonly understood as"?

Alternatives include "are generally recognized as", "are widely accepted as", or "are typically considered as", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "are commonly understood as" in formal writing?

While "are commonly understood as" is acceptable, in formal writing, it's often better to use more precise language like "are defined as" or "are considered to be" when providing definitions or explaining concepts. This ensures greater clarity and avoids ambiguity.

What's the difference between "are commonly understood as" and "are widely known as"?

"Are commonly understood as" implies a level of comprehension or interpretation, whereas "are widely known as" simply suggests that something is generally recognized or acknowledged. For example, gravity "is widely known as" a force, but its mechanics "are commonly understood as" a complex interaction of mass and space-time.