as they understood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as they understood" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is being explained or interpreted based on the understanding of a particular group or individuals. Example: "The project was designed to meet the needs of the community, as they understood the challenges faced by local residents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

They didn't want a reënactment of 1947, as they understood it.

The New Yorker

As they understood it, there were two reasons that doctors couldn't agree on a diagnosis.

The New Yorker

The location, as they understood it, had once been a base for coke dealers.

The New York Times

As they understood it, generating conflict was essential to the development of discrimination.

The New York Times - Arts

The right to privacy, as they understood it, is a function of history, a consequence of modernity.

The New Yorker

As taxpayers, Germans felt she was protecting them even as they understood that more concessions might follow.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

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

The New York Times - Arts

Some Arab regimes may well survive this transition, so long as they understand that something very fundamental has to change.

The Economist

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

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as they understood" to clarify that a statement or action is based on a particular group's or individual's comprehension, which may not be universally shared.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "as they understood" implies correctness. It simply indicates a perspective, which may be flawed or incomplete. Always consider the potential for misunderstanding or misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as they understood" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the basis of someone's action, belief, or statement. It clarifies that what follows is based on a particular group's or individual's comprehension at a specific time. Ludwig AI confirms it's a grammatically sound phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as they understood" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adverbial phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to qualify statements or actions by grounding them in the specific understanding of a particular group or individual at a certain point in time. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, it adds nuance by highlighting that interpretations can vary. When using this phrase, remember that it indicates a specific perspective, not necessarily an objective truth. Using alternatives like "in their view" or "from their perspective" can provide similar context, but remember to maintain a neutral tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in their understanding

A slightly more formal and emphatic way to express the idea.

in their view

A more concise way of saying "from their point of view".

from their point of view

Highlights that the understanding is based on a specific perspective.

according to their interpretation

Replaces "understood" with "interpretation", focusing on the act of interpreting.

based on their perception

Focuses on the role of perception in forming understanding.

as they saw it

Uses a more informal expression to convey understanding.

to their mind

Highlights that the understanding is subjective and personal.

in their estimation

Emphasizes that the understanding is an estimate or judgment.

as they conceived it

Emphasizes the mental construction or conception of the idea.

how they made sense of it

Focuses on the process of sense-making and comprehension.

FAQs

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

Use "as they understood" to show that an action, belief, or concept is based on a specific group's interpretation or comprehension. For example, "The refugees reported some support for the deal "as they understood" it before the announcement."

What are some alternatives to "as they understood"?

You can use phrases like "in their view", "from their perspective", or "according to their interpretation" as alternatives to "as they understood". These phrases offer similar meanings but may fit better depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "as they understood"?

It's appropriate to use "as they understood" when you want to emphasize that a particular understanding or interpretation is not necessarily universal or correct, but rather specific to a certain group or individual. You may also use similar sentences: "according to their interpretation".

Is there a difference between "as they understood" and "as they understand"?

Yes, "as they understood" refers to a past understanding, while "as they understand" refers to a current understanding. Use "as they understood" when referring to a past event or situation where their understanding played a role. "As they understand" it now, the situation may be different.