as we understand it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as we understand it" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a perspective or interpretation of information based on one's understanding or knowledge. Example: "The terms of the agreement are clear, as we understand it, and we are ready to proceed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The globalization process in which we are immersed endangers diversity, as we understand it in its broad context, on the planet.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

Second, there must be government as we understand it - one that is fully accountable to its people.

The Guardian - Opinion

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

The Guardian

This is nothing like warfare as we understand it.

The Guardian

And here, the concept of restaurant as we understand it now – will die.

Independent

The plan, as we understand it, is to block their banking, their shipping, their insurance.

The New York Times

"As far as we understand it she went out to the bins at the premises.

Independent

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

The Guardian

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

The Guardian

But until around 2.4bn years ago our planet was barren, as we understand it.

The Guardian - Music

"They came forward and, as we understand it, that was a violation of the settlement agreement.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as we understand it", follow it with a concise explanation of the basis for your understanding. This provides context and strengthens the credibility of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "as we understand it" when you possess concrete, verifiable evidence. This phrase implies a degree of uncertainty that is inappropriate when certainty exists.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as we understand it" functions as a qualifier, indicating that the following statement is based on a particular interpretation or understanding. It is often used to introduce information that may not be definitively proven or universally accepted, as seen in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as we understand it" is a versatile qualifier used to introduce information based on a specific interpretation or understanding. As Ludwig AI illustrates, it appears frequently in news, science, and formal business contexts. Alternatives like "to the best of our knowledge" or "from our perspective" can be used, but "as we understand it" clearly signals a degree of caution and tentativeness. According to the Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various writing styles, but overusing it when certainty exists should be avoided.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

our current understanding

Specifies that the understanding is subject to change with new information.

according to our interpretation

Highlights that the statement is based on a specific reading or analysis.

to the best of our knowledge

Emphasizes the limitation of understanding based on available information.

as far as we can tell

Expresses understanding with a degree of uncertainty or tentativeness.

the interpretation we hold

Highlights a specific and perhaps formalized understanding.

from our perspective

Highlights a specific viewpoint or angle of interpretation.

from what we gather

Indicates that the understanding is based on collected information.

in our estimation

Suggests a judgment or assessment based on current information.

in our view

Similar to "from our perspective", emphasizing a specific viewpoint.

the way we see it

Indicates a personal or subjective interpretation.

FAQs

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

You can use "as we understand it" to preface an explanation of a situation, indicating that what follows is your interpretation or comprehension of events. For example, "As we understand it, the meeting has been postponed."

What can I say instead of "as we understand it"?

You can use alternatives like "to the best of our knowledge", "from our perspective", or "in our estimation" depending on the context.

Is it okay to use "as we understand it" in formal writing?

Yes, "as we understand it" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when presenting information that is subject to interpretation or based on current knowledge. It is frequently found in news reports and academic papers.

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

"As we understand it" implies a current interpretation or comprehension, whereas "as we know it" refers to something accepted as factual based on present knowledge. "As we understand it" has more uncertainty.