as we understood it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as we understood it" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that the following information is based on your interpretation or comprehension of a situation or statement. Example: "The agreement was clear, as we understood it, but there may have been some miscommunication."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"We had a very good sense throughout the crisis that ING was on solid footing, as we understood it.

The New York Times - Sports

Mark and I wanted to present the story as we understood it, based on the extraordinary research that Mark did".

The Guardian - Film

The great lesson of Linsanity — at least, as we understood it in February — is that expertise can be flawed and impressions faulty.

The New York Times - Sports

I was explicit, and my co-authors included were explicit in that the point, as we understood it, was communicating in a way that could be understood what the results were and could suggest the implications.

Science Magazine

But Coulby said: "Had the actual position been as we understood it to be, that is to say a requirement for £1m, half of which had already been raised through the sterling efforts of supporters, it would not have been a problem.

BBC

During the reading, we wrote down sentences and key words that illustrated the meaning, as we understood it.

BMC Nursing

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

He questioned Obama's appreciation of America as "we" understand it, and suggested Obama has transformed our country into something no longer recognizably American.

Huffington Post

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

This is nothing like warfare as we understand it.

The Guardian

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

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as we understood it" to clearly indicate that you are presenting information based on a specific interpretation or limited knowledge, ensuring transparency and avoiding misleading assertions.

Common error

Avoid using "as we understood it" when you have definitive proof or comprehensive data. This phrase is best suited for situations where understanding is partial or based on specific context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as we understood it" primarily functions as a qualifier or hedge. It is used to frame a statement, indicating that the information presented is based on a particular interpretation or perception. Ludwig AI's analysis supports this, showing the phrase in contexts where information is being qualified.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as we understood it" is a versatile phrase used to qualify statements, indicating that the information is based on a particular interpretation or limited knowledge. Ludwig AI analysis shows it is grammatically correct and most commonly found in news and media contexts. While adaptable, writers should use it judiciously, being mindful of the audience and purpose to ensure clarity and avoid overstating certainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the way we understood it

Adds a more descriptive and emphatic tone.

in our understanding

Emphasizes the cognitive grasp or comprehension.

as we perceived it

Emphasizes the way something was noticed or observed.

as we saw it

Focuses on a visual perspective or interpretation of events.

based on our interpretation

Stresses the act of interpreting information.

from our perspective

Highlights a specific viewpoint or standpoint.

as far as we could tell

Suggests a tentative or provisional assessment.

to our knowledge

Indicates the limits of one's awareness or information.

according to our information

Highlights the source of the understanding.

in our estimation

Conveys a judgment or assessment.

FAQs

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

Use "as we understood it" to preface information that is based on a particular interpretation or limited knowledge. For example, "The policy change, as we understood it, would affect all departments."

What are some alternatives to "as we understood it"?

You can use alternatives like "in our understanding", "from our perspective", or "to our knowledge" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

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

It's appropriate when you want to clarify that the information you're providing is based on a specific interpretation or limited information available at the time.

Is "as we understood it" formal or informal?

"As we understood it" is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, consider the audience and purpose to determine if a more precise or formal alternative might be more suitable.