be understood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be understood" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the clarity or comprehensibility of a message or idea. Example: "It is important that your main points be understood by the audience to ensure effective communication."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He needed to be understood.

Independent

To be understood.

The New York Times - Magazine

It could be understood.

The New York Times

So how should her win be understood?

The New York Times - Books

It needs to be understood in context.

Independent

Mystery, by definition, cannot be understood.

The New York Times

This process can be understood as follows.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Rothko, you see, wants to be understood.

The New York Times

So you will be understood.

The Guardian - Travel

How can this be understood?

The New Yorker

To understand and be understood.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, ensure the context surrounding the phrase "be understood" is well-defined, leaving no room for misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using overly complex sentence structures when the goal is for your message to "be understood". Simplicity often enhances clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be understood" functions primarily as a passive infinitive construction. It signifies the state of being comprehended or grasped by someone. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature, highlighting its role in conveying clarity and comprehensibility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

36%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be understood" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive infinitive construction that emphasizes the importance of comprehension and clarity. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific and academic writing. The phrase's neutral to formal register makes it versatile for diverse audiences, while its primary function revolves around ensuring accurate reception and interpretation of ideas. Related alternatives include "be comprehended", "be grasped", and "be recognized", offering nuanced ways to express the need for understanding. To enhance clarity, use well-defined contexts and avoid overly complex sentence structures, ensuring that your message is not only heard but also "be understood".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be comprehended

Focuses on the intellectual process of grasping the meaning.

be grasped

Emphasizes the ability to seize or understand something quickly.

be appreciated

Highlights the value or importance being recognized.

be recognized

Stresses the acknowledgement or awareness of something.

be acknowledged

Indicates formal acceptance or admission of a fact or idea.

be clear

Focuses on the absence of ambiguity and easy understanding.

be made clear

Emphasizes the action of clarifying something for better understanding.

be interpreted correctly

Highlights the accuracy of the understanding.

be perceived

Focuses on the way something is regarded or understood.

be internalized

Suggests a deep level of understanding where the concept is fully integrated into one's thinking.

FAQs

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

You can use "be understood" when discussing the clarity or comprehensibility of a message or idea. For example, "It is important that your main points "be understood" by the audience to ensure effective communication."

What can I say instead of "be understood"?

You can use alternatives like "be comprehended", "be grasped", or "be recognized" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "be understood" or "is understood"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Is understood" is used to describe a current state of understanding, while "be understood" implies a need or desire for something to be understood.

What's the difference between "be understood" and "understand"?

"Understand" is an active verb, while ""be understood"" is a passive construction. For example, "I want to understand" (active) versus "I want to "be understood"" (passive).