are to be understood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are to be understood" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when clarifying how something should be interpreted or perceived. Example: "The terms of the agreement are to be understood as binding for all parties involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some developmental psychologists have recently moved away from the idea that children are to be understood primarily as human beings who lack the capacities adults of their species normally have.

SEP

Various theories have been proposed in answer to these questions, the most popular being that the forms of art are similar to language and are to be understood as language is understood, in terms of conventions and semantic rules.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Hormones have a long evolutionary history, knowledge of which is important if their properties and functions are to be understood.

Encyclopedia Britannica

According to relativistic quantum field theories, particles are to be understood, rather, as specific arrangements of the fields.

The New York Times - Books

Vocal music often needs time in which to unfold, if sung words are to be understood and their emotional points are to register.

The New York Times - Arts

This dark matter must exist if the motions of stars and galaxies are to be understood, but it has not been observed through radiation of any kind.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In a 1967 interview Mr. Merz spoke of the importance of organic meaning and said, "These are forms that stretch into space and therefore they are to be understood as a process of development".

The New York Times - Arts

It was in the working out of the implications of this bare fact that his literary and political career, as well as his confessional affiliation, are to be understood.

The New York Times - Books

It yielded the forms in which that civilization's social, economic, legal, political, and military institutions were, and are, to be understood, and it provided the significant symbols for poetry and art.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In order not to mismatch ICA and ECA, normal physiology and values are to be understood.

Critical Ultrasound Journal

How they are to be understood depends on the actual field of application.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are to be understood", ensure the context clearly defines who should understand and what criteria they should use for understanding.

Common error

Ensure clarity by specifying by whom the concept is to be understood. Avoid vague constructions that leave the reader uncertain about the intended audience or interpreter.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are to be understood" functions as a passive construction, indicating how a subject should be interpreted or comprehended. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

Encyclopedias

20%

News & Media

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are to be understood" serves as a directive to interpret something in a specific way. As Ludwig AI validates, it is grammatically sound and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in academic, scientific, and formal writing. To maximize clarity, specify the intended interpreter and the basis for understanding. Alternatives include "should be interpreted" or "must be comprehended", depending on the nuance you wish to convey. The phrase's formality makes it ideal for precise and authoritative communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should be interpreted

This alternative replaces "are to be understood" with a more direct expression of interpretation or explanation.

can be interpreted

This suggests a possibility of interpretation, rather than a requirement.

should be construed

This alternative indicates a specific way of understanding or explaining something.

can be conceived

This focuses on the way something is mentally formed or grasped.

should be perceived

This emphasizes how something is viewed or regarded.

need to be clarified

This shifts the focus to the need for further explanation or definition.

must be comprehended

This conveys a stronger necessity for understanding.

need to be appreciated

This emphasizes recognizing the value or significance.

ought to be recognized

This suggests a moral or logical imperative to acknowledge or understand.

have to be grasped

This indicates the necessity of mentally seizing or understanding something.

FAQs

How can I use "are to be understood" in a sentence?

Use "are to be understood" to clarify how something should be interpreted. For example, "The rules of the game "are to be understood" as guidelines, not strict laws".

What phrases can I use instead of "are to be understood"?

You can use alternatives like "should be interpreted", "can be interpreted", or "must be comprehended" depending on the context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "are to be understood"?

While "are to be understood" is passive, it's often suitable when the focus is on the object being understood rather than the interpreter. Consider whether specifying who should understand what adds value.

How does "are to be understood" differ from "should be understood"?

"Should be understood" implies a recommendation or expectation, while "are to be understood" presents a more definitive interpretation. The choice depends on the level of authority or instruction you wish to convey.