as generally understood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as generally understood" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a common or widely accepted interpretation of a term or concept. Example: "The term 'sustainability' refers to practices that are environmentally friendly, as generally understood in contemporary discussions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

As generally understood — general understandings, including clichés and stereotypes, being grist for the show's mill — the holiday commemorates a neighborly feast that was shared by Pilgrims and Indians in 1621: a true event that was little known for two centuries, until mention of it turned up in a footnote to a document from the time.

The New Yorker

Therefore the revised section restores the basic law as generally understood and interpreted prior to the Toucey decision.

Cornell University

In one particularly notable respect, the business carried on by the exchange banks differed from banking as generally understood at the time.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Not because she was unable to prove her record of bravery, but because the pension law was "applicable to soldiers as generally understood in the masculine sense".

Independent

In a major speech last November, A Comprehensive Programme for School Reform, he set out five priorities for school reform, not one of which had anything to do with comprehensives, as generally understood.

The Guardian - Opinion

This may be because the Buddhist rule of life, as generally understood, served as a counsel of perfection which comparatively few could be expected to follow in its entirety.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

But I do think it's not quite the same thing as what is generally understood by the word poverty.

The Guardian

That ability to optimize and (not incidentally) monetize user experiences by reacting to microlevel data is the essence of Web-business magic, as it is generally understood.

The New York Times - Magazine

Mr. Roach challenged both his audiences and himself by working not just with standard jazz instrumentation but in contexts well beyond the confines of jazz as it is generally understood.

The New York Times - Arts

Cutting net immigration to this extent would mean going far beyond immigration policy as it is generally understood: it would mean leaving the European Union, and telling British citizens they can no longer marry who they like, as well as closing our universities to foreign students.

The Guardian - Opinion

And these are places where conspicuous consumption, as it is generally understood, is out.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as generally understood", ensure the understanding you're referring to is indeed widespread and not just your personal interpretation. Back it up with examples or references if necessary.

Common error

Avoid using "as generally understood" when the concept is actually nuanced or subject to debate. Overusing this phrase can lead to miscommunication if the reader's understanding differs from what you assume.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as generally understood" functions as a qualifier or introductory phrase used to indicate that the speaker or writer is referring to a common or widely accepted definition, interpretation, or perception of a concept. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Academia

22%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Science

22%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as generally understood" serves as a useful tool for establishing common ground in communication by referencing a widely accepted interpretation of a concept. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in writing. While it appears most frequently in news and media, academia, and encyclopedias, its usage also extends to scientific and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the referenced understanding is indeed widespread and not just a personal assumption. For alternative phrasing, consider options such as "as commonly known" or "as widely accepted" to achieve slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as commonly known

Replaces "generally understood" with "commonly known", focusing on the familiarity of the information.

as widely accepted

Emphasizes the broad agreement on a particular idea or concept.

as is common knowledge

Highlights that the information is something that most people are expected to know.

in common parlance

Shifts the focus to how something is typically referred to or discussed.

by popular consensus

Implies a collective agreement arrived at through some form of deliberation.

in the popular imagination

Refers to how something is perceived or conceived by the general public.

as everyone knows

A more direct and informal way of suggesting widespread awareness.

it is well known that

A formal way to introduce information that is considered to be generally understood.

in general terms

Indicates that something is being described or explained in a broad or non-specific manner.

the conventional wisdom is

Refers to a belief or idea that is widely accepted but may not necessarily be accurate.

FAQs

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

Use "as generally understood" to introduce a concept or term by clarifying its common or widespread interpretation. For example, "Sustainability, "as generally understood", encompasses practices that are environmentally friendly."

What are some alternatives to "as generally understood"?

You can use alternatives like "as commonly known", "as widely accepted", or "in common parlance" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it always safe to assume something is "as generally understood"?

No, it's important to ensure that the understanding you're referring to is indeed widespread and not just your personal interpretation. When there's a potential for ambiguity or disagreement, provide further clarification or examples.

When should I avoid using "as generally understood"?

Avoid using "as generally understood" when the concept is actually nuanced, subject to debate, or specific to a particular field or context. In such cases, it's better to provide a more precise definition or explanation.