are not understood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are not understood" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing concepts, ideas, or feelings that lack clarity or comprehension among individuals or groups. Example: "Many of the complexities of quantum physics are not understood by the general public."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"These linkages are not understood.

The New York Times

Mechanisms governing pore dynamics are not understood.

Yale University

The observed features are not understood.

Physica E: Low-dimensional Systems and Nanostructures

However, the molecular mechanisms underlying feedback are not understood.

Stanford University

Whatever real differences may exist are not understood.

The New York Times

But the reasons people procrastinate are not understood that well.

The Washington Post

However, the biological foundations of processing speed are not understood.

NeuroImage

The mechanisms controlling the pain responses are not understood.

Neuroscience

Korea, for reasons that are not understood, was one.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Vague messages are not understood by those with intellectual disabilities.

The New York Times

The statistical characteristics of microcores on the other hand are not understood completely.

Construction and Building Materials

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are not understood", ensure the context clearly indicates what is lacking understanding. Be specific rather than vague.

Common error

Avoid using "are not understood" as a blanket statement without providing context or specifics. Instead of saying "the issues are not understood", clarify which specific issues lack understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are not understood" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating a lack of comprehension or knowledge regarding a specific subject. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use across diverse fields, highlighting the commonality of unknown or unclear aspects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

51%

News & Media

23%

Academia

21%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are not understood" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to convey a lack of comprehension or knowledge. As Ludwig AI validates, its versatility allows it to be employed across diverse fields such as science, news, and academia. While it's a powerful tool to indicate gaps in understanding, being specific about what lacks comprehension is crucial. Alternatives like "are not known", "remain unclear" or "are poorly understood" can provide nuanced meaning. Remember to avoid overgeneralization and provide context to enhance clarity when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are poorly understood

This alternative indicates a level of understanding exists, but it is incomplete.

are not known

This alternative emphasizes the absence of knowledge about a topic.

are not comprehended

This alternative emphasizes the inability to fully grasp the meaning.

are not grasped

This alternative highlights a failure to comprehend something.

remain unclear

This alternative suggests a lack of clarity on a particular subject.

are yet to be elucidated

This alternative, common in scientific contexts, suggests future clarification is expected.

are not recognized

This alternative means something is not formally acknowledged or understood.

are not well-defined

This alternative suggests that the boundaries or parameters are not clearly established.

are not appreciated

This alternative implies a lack of recognition or understanding of value.

defy comprehension

This alternative emphasizes the difficulty in understanding something.

FAQs

What does "are not understood" mean?

The phrase "are not understood" means that something lacks clarity or comprehension. It implies a gap in knowledge or a failure to grasp the meaning or implications of a particular subject, concept, or situation.

How can I use "are not understood" in a sentence?

You can use "are not understood" to describe things that are unclear or not fully comprehended. For example: "The long-term effects of the policy are not understood", or "The reasons behind his decision are not understood".

What can I say instead of "are not understood"?

You can use alternatives like "are not known", "remain unclear", or "are poorly understood" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "are not understood" or "are poorly understood"?

The choice between "are not understood" and "are poorly understood" depends on the degree of understanding. If there's virtually no understanding, "are not understood" is appropriate. If there's some understanding, but it's incomplete or flawed, "are poorly understood" is more accurate.