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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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are less well understood

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of sentence "are less well understood" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that something is not very well understood or known. For example: "The effects of climate change on coastal regions are less well understood."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the specifics are less well understood.

The habits of Tanystropheus are less well understood.

There are other groups that are less well understood.

News & Media

The Guardian

Factors that contribute to slow progression in pediatric HIV infection are less well understood.

CRLs are also implicated in endosome function, where their specific roles are less well understood.

However, the mechanisms underlying matrix communication and signal transduction are less well understood.

Science & Research

Nature

But the underlying dynamics of the behavior are less well understood.

The very earliest stages of the big bang are less well understood.

However, the roles of TRs in human cancer are less well understood.

The electrical effects are less well understood and in particular the contribution of dielectric exclusion.

However, alterations in the turnover of pulmonary cells are less well understood.

Science

Chest
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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "are less well understood", ensure that the context clearly indicates what aspects are lacking understanding. Provide specific examples or areas where further research or clarification is needed.

Common error

Avoid using "are less well understood" as a blanket statement without providing any specific details or examples. This can weaken your argument and leave the reader unclear about what exactly is not well understood.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

84%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are less well understood" functions as a descriptive predicate, indicating that a particular subject, concept, or phenomenon is not yet fully or adequately comprehended. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely accepted in English writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

63%

News & Media

13%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are less well understood" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to convey that a subject lacks complete comprehension. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is prevalent in scientific, academic, and news contexts, indicating a need for further exploration. When using this phrase, it is crucial to provide specific details or examples to avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives like "are not fully comprehended" or "remain poorly defined" can offer nuanced variations. Remember that effective writing involves clarity and precision when highlighting areas where knowledge is incomplete.

FAQs

How can I use "are less well understood" in a sentence?

Use "are less well understood" to indicate a topic or aspect that lacks complete knowledge or clarity. For example, "The long-term effects of this medication "are less well understood"".

What are some alternatives to "are less well understood"?

You can use alternatives such as "are not fully comprehended", "remain poorly defined", or "are imperfectly known" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "are less well understood" or "are not understood well"?

"Are less well understood" is generally preferred in formal writing because it sounds more polished and professional compared to "are not understood well".

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

"Are less well understood" implies a lack of complete knowledge or clarity, while "are misunderstood" suggests that something is incorrectly interpreted or perceived. They convey different types of issues related to understanding.

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Source & Trust

84%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: