as understood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as understood" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something a person is aware of, in the sense of having grasped or understood it. For example, "Bob agreed to the project's terms as understood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Bayard, though, regards such disclaimers as understood.

The New York Times - Books

Catholicism, as understood by most American Catholics, is not.

The New York Times

In other words, the core of a civil society as understood in the West.

The New York Times

But Musharraf's main crime, as understood by most Pakistanis, was that he was an American ally.

The Guardian - Opinion

The United States, as understood properly, is the largest free trade area in the world.

The Economist

The qualities of that sound define musical beauty as understood by the Costa's hummingbird.

The New York Times

The Eucharist, as understood in many of the Christian churches, contains similar elements.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Conversion as understood by Christians or Muslims is usually not the aim.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The insurgency as understood by American intelligence officers, is a more complex web of interests and fighters.

The New York Times

"There is a gap between what Islam is and what Islam is as understood by human beings," he said.

The Guardian

The Columbia decision relies on the definition of a worker drawn from "master-servant relationship," as understood by common law.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as understood" to clearly indicate that your statement relies on a specific interpretation or shared knowledge. This adds precision and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "as understood" when the context already makes the understanding clear. Redundant use can make your writing sound cumbersome and less direct.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as understood" functions as an adverbial modifier, clarifying the scope or context of a statement. It indicates that the statement is true according to a specific interpretation or within a defined framework. Ludwig examples show its use across various domains to specify the relevant perspective.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as understood" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression in English. As Ludwig AI confirm, its primary function is to clarify the context or interpretation of a statement, preventing ambiguity. It appears across various domains, from news and media to scientific publications and encyclopedias. While versatile, it's best to avoid redundant use. Consider alternatives like "in the way it is understood" or "according to current understanding" for subtle shifts in meaning. By using "as understood" judiciously, you can add precision and clarity to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the way it is understood

Emphasizes the manner of understanding rather than just the state.

according to current understanding

Highlights that the understanding is based on the most up-to-date information.

from the perspective of

Shifts focus to the viewpoint influencing the understanding.

as it is conceived

Stresses the mental construction or conceptualization of something.

in the sense that

Clarifies the specific meaning or interpretation being applied.

based on the interpretation of

Focuses on the act of interpreting and its influence on understanding.

given the common interpretation

Highlights that the understanding is based on conventional or widely accepted views.

in light of current knowledge

Emphasizes the role of available knowledge in shaping understanding.

with the understanding that

Introduces a condition or assumption upon which the understanding is based.

as it is generally accepted

Stresses the wide agreement or consensus surrounding the understanding.

FAQs

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

Use "as understood" to clarify that you are referring to a specific interpretation or definition of something. For example, "The term populism is rightly called, not in the American sense, but "as understood" in the rest of the world."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "as understood"?

Alternatives include phrases like "in the way it is understood", "according to current understanding", or "from the perspective of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

In academic writing, "as understood" is useful when discussing theories, definitions, or concepts that may have varying interpretations. It helps to specify the particular understanding you are referring to, ensuring clarity and precision.

Is "as understood" formal or informal?

The phrase "as understood" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. It is a neutral phrase that can be used in a variety of writing styles, from academic papers to casual conversation.