are understood to be

USAGE SUMMARY

"are understood to be" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
This phrase is used to the represent understanding or acceptance of something. For example: "The changes to the workflow are understood to be necessary for the project to progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Celtic are understood to be one.

The Guardian - Sport

Concussions are understood to be especially damaging.

The Guardian - Sport

The vast majority are understood to be overwhelmingly negative.

The Guardian

But the witnesses are understood to be civilians.

The Guardian

Landsbanki and other creditors are understood to be owed £1bn.

The Guardian - Business

Talks with ThyssenKrupp are understood to be progressing well.

The Guardian - Business

Chelsea are understood to be among the leading candidates.

Independent

More of the planes are understood to be arriving soon.

Independent

Warren and Gretchen are understood to be Lawrence's legal representatives.

Independent

They are understood to be joined by at least one other private equity company.

The Guardian - Business

Three separate parties are understood to be in the running to take over.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Prefer this phrase in formal writing or when summarizing common knowledge rather than personal opinions.

Common error

Avoid using "are understood to be" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler phrases like "people think" or "it seems" are more appropriate for everyday communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are understood to be" functions as a passive construction used to express a generally accepted understanding or interpretation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it signifies that something is commonly accepted or known, often without explicit proof. Many examples in Ludwig show its use in news and media to report on situations where a consensus exists.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are understood to be" is a frequently used passive construction that indicates a generally accepted understanding or interpretation. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely employed across various authoritative sources, especially in news and media reporting. While highly versatile, it is important to consider the context and avoid overuse in informal settings. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, writers can effectively use "are understood to be" to convey information with credibility and clarity. Alternatives like "are believed to be" or "are considered to be" offer subtle variations in meaning, enhancing the precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are believed to be

Expresses a belief or assumption, similar to being understood, but emphasizes a degree of uncertainty.

are considered to be

Highlights a formal evaluation or judgment, implying a more deliberate assessment process.

are known to be

Indicates a widely recognized fact or characteristic, emphasizing public awareness.

are deemed to be

Implies an official or authoritative decision, suggesting a formal pronouncement.

are recognized as

Suggests acknowledgement or acceptance, focusing on the act of recognition.

are thought to be

Conveys a general opinion or speculation, indicating a less certain understanding.

are presumed to be

Emphasizes a preliminary assumption made in the absence of complete evidence.

are assumed to be

Highlights a presupposition or underlying belief, often without explicit proof.

are anticipated to be

Focuses on future expectations or predictions, suggesting a projected outcome.

are reputed to be

Indicates that something is believed based on hearsay or general reputation.

FAQs

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

Use "are understood to be" to indicate a generally accepted or common understanding of a situation or concept. For instance, "The new regulations "are understood to be" a response to recent events".

What phrases are similar to "are understood to be"?

Alternatives include "are believed to be", "are considered to be", or "are assumed to be". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

The phrase "are understood to be" is inherently passive. Using the active voice would require rephrasing the entire sentence to emphasize who holds the understanding, such as "Experts understand the changes to be necessary".

When is it inappropriate to use "are understood to be"?

Avoid using "are understood to be" when expressing personal opinions or when the understanding is not widespread. In such cases, phrases like "I believe" or "it seems to me" are more suitable.