be understood as being

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be understood as being" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when clarifying how something should be interpreted or perceived in a specific context. Example: "The term 'sustainability' should be understood as being a commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

This can be understood as being grounded in the assumption that the human being is viewed as a whole (c.f. [ 36– 36]).

BMC Geriatrics

This "exercise of power", he claimed, could only be understood as being "exercised socially".

The Guardian

"For a Brazilian company to be understood as being Brazilian, Pele is an extremely efficient spokesman," Mr. Olivetto said.

The New York Times

It is guided by the premise that the armed conflict in Afghanistan should be understood as being heavily intertwined with regional politics.

Harvard University

We emphasize that this opinion's exposition of our present view concerning contingent fee agreements should be understood as being strictly limited to the context of civil litigation.

Harvard University

These 'missing states' can now be understood as being washed out by fluctuations in the exchange splitting of the spin-polarized electronic structure.

Nature

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Why they should ever have been understood as being separate I do not know.

Stanford University

Persecution (via censorship or heterodoxy) is understood as being both externally imposed and internalized.

Cornell University

Normally, photography is understood as being true: we assume nothing is manipulated, especially if it's in a newspaper.

The Guardian - Arts

Red Pedagogy is a pedagogical project wherein pedagogy is understood as being inherently political, spiritual, and intellectual.

Columbia University

Psychological operations and deception, in particular, are understood as being aimed at adversarial or neutral audiences — not at Americans.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be understood as being" to explicitly clarify the intended interpretation of a concept or idea, especially when context might lead to multiple understandings.

Common error

Avoid using "be understood as being" for straightforward definitions where simpler phrasing like "means" or "is" suffices. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be understood as being" functions as a verbal phrase used to clarify the intended meaning or interpretation of a concept, idea, or term. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and can be used to explain or define something in a specific context.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

28%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be understood as being" serves as a valuable tool for precise communication. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically sound and helpful for clarifying intentions, particularly when context may create ambiguity. While versatile, ensure that its use aligns with the formality of your context and avoids redundancy in straightforward definitions. This phrase frequently appears in academic, scientific, and news domains, reflecting its utility in professional and informative communication. Remember to consider alternate phrases like "be interpreted as" or "be defined as" to best suit your intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be interpreted as

Focuses on the act of interpreting something, implying a more subjective understanding.

be defined as

Highlights a formal or precise meaning, often used in technical or legal contexts.

be regarded as

Emphasizes a general opinion or common view about something.

be considered as

Implies a more thoughtful or deliberate assessment of something.

be viewed as

Suggests a particular perspective or way of looking at something.

be perceived as

Focuses on how something is sensed or recognized by others.

be seen as

Similar to 'viewed as', but perhaps with a slightly more casual connotation.

be known as

Highlights a recognized identity or characteristic.

be thought of as

Indicates a mental categorization or conceptualization.

be classified as

Suggests a systematic grouping or categorization based on specific criteria.

FAQs

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

Use "be understood as being" when you want to clarify how something should be interpreted or perceived. For example: "The term 'sustainability' should "be understood as being" a commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility."

What are some alternatives to "be understood as being"?

You can use alternatives like "be interpreted as", "be defined as", or "be regarded as" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "be understood as being" and "be interpreted as"?

While both phrases relate to how something is perceived, "be understood as being" often implies a more formal or intended meaning, whereas "be interpreted as" suggests a more subjective or inferred meaning.

When is it better to use "be defined as" instead of "be understood as being"?

Use "be defined as" when you are providing a precise, often technical or official meaning. "Be understood as being" is more appropriate when discussing a broader or more contextual interpretation.