are understood as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are understood as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when explaining how something is perceived or interpreted in a particular context. Example: "In this study, the results are understood as indicative of a larger trend in consumer behavior."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Today these blood systems are understood as deoxygenated blood and oxygenated blood.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Psychological operations and deception, in particular, are understood as being aimed at adversarial or neutral audiences — not at Americans.

The New York Times

Celibacy has played little role in Judaism, in which marriage and raising children are understood as holy obligations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The realities of Soviet life and politics are better known, and the personal histories of artists are understood as having been more complex.

The New York Times - Arts

The circumstances of Stacy's death are different from those of Ferrell's and McBride's — their killings are understood as tragedies, whereas his was a source of civic pride.

The New Yorker

The first three words, "Toni Morrison's genius," are understood as "The genius of Toni Morrison," and thus the true antecedent of "her" is, correctly, Toni Morrison.

The New York Times

They emerge from centuries of demonisation and dehumanisation in which black men, by their very existence, are understood as a threat.

The Guardian - Opinion

The dog we own, and the way we treat it, are understood as components of our version of the good life.

The Guardian - Opinion

The concentration camps make sense only if they are understood as products not of reason but of ideology, which is to say, of fantasy.

The New Yorker

Jivas are understood as being eternal and infinite in number and are not the same as the bodies that they inhabit.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The phenomena described in John, which are celebrated in the church at Pentecost, are understood as the fulfillment of this promise.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are understood as" when you want to convey a general understanding or common interpretation of a concept or situation. This phrase is particularly useful in academic and formal writing.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on the passive voice, which can make your writing sound weak or indirect. Instead of "the results are understood as conclusive", consider using an active voice construction like "researchers understand the results to be conclusive."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are understood as" functions as a linking expression, indicating how something is interpreted or perceived. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It connects a subject to a description of how it is commonly understood. Examples in Ludwig show its use in diverse contexts, from scientific findings to cultural phenomena.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

34%

Encyclopedias

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are understood as" is a versatile linking phrase used to express common interpretations or perceptions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts, including science, news, and encyclopedias. While alternatives like ""are considered to be"" or ""are interpreted as"" exist, the choice depends on the desired nuance. When using this phrase, be mindful of overusing the passive voice. The prevalence of "are understood as" in authoritative sources underscores its value in conveying shared understandings in both formal and informal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are considered to be

Emphasizes a formal assessment or judgment of something, differing slightly from a general understanding.

are interpreted as

Highlights the act of assigning meaning to something, suggesting a more active process of interpretation.

are viewed as

Focuses on the perspective or viewpoint from which something is seen, implying a subjective assessment.

are regarded as

Implies a general opinion or estimation of something, often based on reputation or common belief.

are perceived as

Emphasizes sensory or intuitive apprehension of something, suggesting a more immediate or emotional response.

are known as

Highlights the common or recognized name or designation of something, focusing on its identity.

are defined as

Focuses on providing a specific and formal explanation of the meaning or scope of something.

are characterized by

Highlights the typical or distinctive features of something, focusing on its qualities.

are described as

Offers a verbal account or representation of something, emphasizing its attributes or characteristics.

are labeled as

Focuses on the act of assigning a category or classification to something, often for identification or organizational purposes.

FAQs

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

The phrase "are understood as" is used to describe a common interpretation or perception of something. For example, "These findings "are understood as" evidence of climate change" indicates that the findings are generally interpreted in that way.

What are some alternatives to "are understood as"?

Alternatives include "are considered to be", "are interpreted as", and "are viewed as". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "are understood as" in formal writing?

It is appropriate to use "are understood as" in formal writing when you need to convey a commonly accepted interpretation or definition, especially in academic or scientific contexts.

Is there a difference between "are understood as" and "are known as"?

Yes, "are understood as" implies an interpretation or perception, whereas "are known as" simply indicates a recognized name or designation. For instance, "The symptoms "are understood as" indicative of the disease," versus "The disease "is known as" influenza".