as they understand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as they understand" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is being explained or interpreted according to someone's comprehension or perspective. Example: "The policy will be implemented as they understand the requirements set forth by the management."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They will be happy to show you around as they understand that without surveying the facilities you will not be able to make a decision.

WikiHow

Kristina Carrington, campaign director for East Anglia, said: "Most companies are happy, so long as they understand the reasons why and the benefits that come back into the workplace.

BBC

"But that is O.K. as long as they understand that I am serious".

The New York Times - Arts

To practice their faith as they understand it, they sidestep the church's established boundaries.

The New York Times

In keeping with capitalist principles as they understand them, the group goes on strike, only to lose their jobs.

The New York Times - Books

"Defendants' ardent adherence to Islamic law, as they understand it, permeates their actions and thinking," Judge Sand continued.

The New York Times

Our customers are keen to buy 'on feather', as they understand it's fresher and draws the flavour more".

The Guardian

Mr. Mamet's sad men constantly make pronouncements about life as they understand it, hiding the fact that they really know almost nothing.

The New York Times

"Thankfully," he said, "a lot more people are envious, respectful and appreciative as they understand the hard work that goes into being a gymnast and athlete.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Identifying such patterns is beneficial for both the users of the system as they understand the systems' strengths and weaknesses as well as for the systems' developers as they are able to focus their attention on correcting those aspects associated with the low-performing test suites.

Database : the journal of biological databases and curation

Though its first dancers may grow better over the years, as they understand the choreography more completely, it was tailor-made to display their particular gifts.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as they understand" to show that an interpretation is subjective and depends on the individual's knowledge or perspective. This is especially useful when discussing beliefs, opinions, or complex topics.

Common error

Avoid using "as they understand" when a concept is generally accepted or based on factual information. Instead, reserve it for situations where individual interpretation is crucial to the meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as they understand" functions as an adverbial clause, modifying a verb or adjective to indicate the basis or perspective from which an action or quality is viewed. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

30%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as they understand" is a versatile and grammatically correct adverbial clause used to qualify statements based on individual interpretations or knowledge. As shown by Ludwig, it's prevalent across diverse sources, including News & Media, Science, and Wiki. While "as they understand" is suitable for various registers, it’s best used when acknowledging subjective perspectives rather than universally accepted facts. Consider alternatives like "in their interpretation" or "from their point of view" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as they see it

Focuses on their perception of the situation or concept.

in their interpretation

Emphasizes the act of interpreting something based on their perspective.

based on their comprehension

Focuses on the level of understanding they possess.

in their perspective

Emphasizes a particular way of viewing things.

from their point of view

Highlights that the understanding is subjective and based on their personal perspective.

as they conceive it

Highlights their mental idea or concept.

according to their lights

Indicates they are acting based on their understanding of what is right or correct.

in their estimation

Highlights their assessment or judgment of something.

in their own terms

Indicates understanding expressed using their own language and concepts.

to the best of their knowledge

Emphasizes the limits of their understanding based on available information.

FAQs

How can I use "as they understand" in a sentence?

Use "as they understand" to show that an interpretation or belief is shaped by someone's individual perspective or knowledge. For example: "They are acting in accordance with their values, "as they understand" them."

What can I say instead of "as they understand"?

Alternatives include "in their interpretation", "from their point of view", or "according to their lights", depending on the context.

Which is correct: "as they understand it" or "as they understood it"?

"As they understand it" uses the present tense, implying an ongoing understanding. "As they understood it" uses the past tense, referring to a past understanding. Choose the tense that accurately reflects the timing of the understanding.

What's the difference between "as they understand" and "as they interpret"?

"As they understand" emphasizes their comprehension, while "as they interpret" emphasizes the act of assigning meaning to something. The choice depends on whether you want to focus on their existing knowledge or their active interpretation.