be understood by someone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be understood by someone" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the clarity or comprehensibility of a message or concept to a specific person or group. Example: "The instructions need to be clear enough to be understood by someone with no prior experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

A Cantonese-speaker cannot simply minimise a few Cantonese features of his speech, moving smoothly towards a standard, to be understood by someone from Beijing.

The Economist

This false hypothesis results from an underdeveloped comprehension of the laws and paradigms of time, which can never really be understood by someone still operating in a sub-ten-thousand-step mind state.

The New Yorker

JIMMY: Ned! NED (exasperated): Now, Jimmy, for Christ's sake, if you want to hear this — and I do want to tell you so that things will be understood by someone afterwards — it's choking me! — then you've got to can your sentimental drivel.

The New Yorker

There are many jokes in this play that could only be understood by someone living in the last couple of decades, but the feeling is 19th-century, and that nostalgia is not one of the many illusions Mr. Long is poking fun at.

The New York Times

These books gave a vivid picture of a world governed by counter-intuitive fundamental laws, that (as Galileo had famously explained in The Assayer) could only be understood by someone who knew the language in which the laws were written, the language of mathematics.

The Guardian - Books

We want to be understood by someone; we want to belong somewhere.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

A target, as the terminology is understood by most prosecutors, refers to someone who may be charged with a crime.

The New York Times

Perhaps the young men did not have any personal sexual stories of female pleasure that they wanted to share in this context, or perhaps they were humouring me – creating a comic, sensual performance that could be understood and enjoyed by someone from outside their community.

Culture, Health and Sexuality

The material will be read by someone who already knows and understands the writer.

The New Yorker

That is, toddlers have a mental model not merely of the world but of the world as understood by someone else.

The New York Times - Magazine

It is understood he was contacted through Freelancer.com by someone under the name of "f0rtkn0x".

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be understood by someone" when you want to emphasize the importance of clear communication and the need for a message to be correctly interpreted by a specific audience. For example, in technical writing or educational materials, ensuring concepts "be understood by someone" without prior knowledge is crucial.

Common error

While "be understood by someone" is grammatically correct, overuse of passive voice can make your writing sound weak or indirect. Consider rephrasing to active voice when appropriate for a more direct and engaging style. For instance, instead of "The concept should be understood by the students", try "The students should understand the concept."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be understood by someone" functions as a passive construction, typically used to emphasize the object of understanding rather than the subject. It indicates a state where a piece of information or an idea has been successfully comprehended by an individual. Ludwig examples support this usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be understood by someone" is a grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize the successful comprehension of information by an individual. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides diverse examples across various contexts, including news, wikis, and scientific publications. While its frequency is uncommon, the phrase effectively highlights the importance of clear communication. Consider active voice alternatives for a more direct style, and be mindful of overusing passive constructions. Remember, the goal is not just to be heard, but to "be understood by someone".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be comprehended by someone

Replaces "understood" with a more formal synonym, emphasizing intellectual grasp.

be grasped by someone

Suggests a quicker, more intuitive understanding.

be clear to someone

Focuses on the clarity and lack of ambiguity in the message.

be recognized by someone

Highlights acknowledgement and awareness.

be acknowledged by someone

Emphasizes formal acceptance or admission.

be appreciated by someone

Shifts the focus to valuing and recognizing the importance of something.

be made sense of by someone

Indicates effort in interpreting and finding meaning.

be accepted by someone

Highlights the aspect of agreement or approval.

be deciphered by someone

Implies something is initially obscure but can be interpreted.

connect with someone

Focuses on the interpersonal understanding and emotional resonance.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "be understood by someone" to sound more active?

You can rephrase it using an active voice construction, such as "someone understands it" or "someone can understand it". These alternatives make the subject (someone) the actor, creating a more direct and engaging sentence.

What does it mean for something to "be understood by someone"?

When something "be understood by someone", it means that a particular person is able to correctly interpret, grasp, or make sense of a message, concept, or idea. It emphasizes that comprehension is achieved by a specific individual.

Are there any synonyms for "be understood by someone" that emphasize appreciation or agreement?

Yes, depending on the context, you can use phrases like "be appreciated by someone" or "be accepted by someone". These alternatives shift the focus from pure comprehension to valuing or agreeing with the information presented.

How does "be understood by someone" differ from "be understood by everyone"?

"Be understood by someone" implies that the message is clear to at least one individual, while "be understood by everyone" suggests universal comprehension. The former focuses on individual understanding, whereas the latter aims for broad, collective understanding.