as we understand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as we understand" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that the speaker has a general understanding of the topic they are discussing. For example: "As we understand it, the new policy will go into effect next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"So far as we understand it, there are clearly very detailed legal issues at stake here.

The Guardian

In fact, we are nowhere near understanding them as well as we understand disorders of the liver or the heart.

The New York Times

Elections aren't democracy, as we understand it.

The Washington Post

Without water, life as we understand it would be impossible.

The Guardian

Human rights as we understand them now were not observed.

The Guardian

This is nothing like warfare as we understand it.

The Guardian

The facts as we understand them today are these.

The Guardian - Opinion

He is not a conservative as we understand the term.

The Economist

"This is not writing as we know it or language as we understand it.

The Guardian

"As far as we understand, experimental medicine is not being used," Frieden said.

The Guardian

Before there were maps, as we understand them, there were itineraries, sequences of customized directions.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "as we understand" with a citation or reference when summarizing complex information from a particular source. This strengthens your argument and allows readers to verify your interpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "as we understand" when you possess comprehensive expertise on a subject. A more confident tone is appropriate when your knowledge is extensive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as we understand" functions as a discourse marker or introductory phrase. It prefaces information, indicating the speaker or writer's current comprehension or interpretation of a topic. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and commonly employed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

25%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as we understand" is a versatile phrase used to introduce information based on a current, potentially incomplete, understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and its prevalence across various sources—particularly in news, academic, and scientific contexts—underscores its utility in signaling transparency and inviting further clarification. When wielding it, focus on using it to add value to your arguments, avoid using it when you possess comprehensive expertise on a subject and leverage its alternatives when requiring a different nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to our understanding

Changes the perspective to a more objective viewpoint.

from our perspective

Shifts the focus to a specific viewpoint or interpretation.

according to our interpretation

Highlights the subjective nature of understanding.

in our view

Indicates a personal opinion or assessment.

the way we see it

Offers a more informal and conversational tone.

as far as we can tell

Suggests a degree of uncertainty or limited knowledge.

based on what we know

Emphasizes the factual basis of understanding.

our current understanding

Acknowledges that understanding may evolve over time.

the consensus is

Suggests a general agreement or shared understanding.

it is our belief

Highlights a conviction or opinion held by a group.

FAQs

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

Use "as we understand" to preface an explanation or statement that reflects a current comprehension of a topic, implying that this understanding could be incomplete or subject to change. For example, "As we understand it, the meeting has been postponed."

What are some alternatives to "as we understand"?

Consider using "to our understanding", "from our perspective", or "according to our interpretation" to convey similar meanings with slight variations in nuance.

Is it correct to use "as we understood" instead of "as we understand"?

Yes, both are grammatically correct, but they indicate different time frames. "As we understood" refers to a past understanding, while "as we understand" reflects a current understanding.

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

"As we understand" suggests a general grasp of information, while "as we interpret" implies a more active and potentially subjective analysis of that information. "As we interpret", focuses more on meaning that you give, not others.