can be understood

USAGE SUMMARY

"can be understood" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are describing something that can be comprehended or that has been made clear. For example, "The instructions for assembling the toy were clearly laid out so they could be understood easily."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This process can be understood as follows.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But it can be understood.

The Washington Post

The subtext can be understood rather easily.

The New York Times - Sports

Well, this can be understood, and is.

The Guardian

Gravity can be understood as a curvature of space.

The New Yorker

A single death can be understood as a collective threat.

The New Yorker

Color can be understood both scientifically and artistically.

The New York Times - Magazine

The classifications can be understood in atomic terms.

Britannica

They can be understood as a classical Schottky diode.

Electrochimica Acta

Similarly, FOSS can be understood as a gift community.

Harvard University

It can be understood simply as a very pragmatic decision.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be understood", ensure that the context provides sufficient information for the reader to actually understand the subject being discussed.

Common error

Avoid using "can be understood" without specifying how or by whom something can be understood. Provide context or explain the underlying logic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be understood" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating the possibility or ability for something to be comprehended. Ludwig confirms that it's correct and usable in written English. It typically requires further context to specify how or by whom the understanding is achieved.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

28%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can be understood" is a common and grammatically sound construction used to indicate the potential for comprehension. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely employed across various domains, including science, news, and academia. While frequently used, it's crucial to provide sufficient context to clarify how and by whom something can be understood. Alternatives like "can be comprehended" or "can be grasped" offer similar meanings with slight variations in nuance. When writing, avoid vague references and ensure clarity to maximize the effectiveness of this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be comprehended

Replaces "understood" with a synonym implying thorough understanding.

can be grasped

Uses a more active verb, suggesting an active effort to understand.

can be deciphered

Implies that the subject requires effort to decode or interpret.

can be clarified

Focuses on the action of making something understandable.

is amenable to understanding

More formal phrasing, suggesting the subject is receptive to being understood.

is open to interpretation

Suggests multiple possible understandings or viewpoints.

can be appreciated

Adds a layer of valuing or recognizing the importance of the subject.

can be seen

A more general term indicating that something is observable or recognizable.

is capable of being understood

A more verbose and formal way of expressing the same concept.

can be made clear

Emphasizes the process of clarifying rather than the state of being understood.

FAQs

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

Use "can be understood" to indicate that something is comprehensible, often by explaining the reasoning or context behind it. For instance, "The concept "can be understood" if we break it down into smaller parts."

What are some alternatives to "can be understood"?

Alternatives include "can be comprehended", "can be grasped", or "can be deciphered", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "can be understood"?

While "can be understood" is in the passive voice, it is perfectly acceptable. However, consider using the active voice if you want to emphasize who is doing the understanding. For example, instead of "The data can be understood", you might say "Researchers can understand the data."

What's the difference between "can be understood" and "is understandable"?

"Can be understood" focuses on the possibility of comprehension, while "is understandable" describes the quality of being easy to understand. "The theory "can be understood" with some effort", versus "The explanation is understandable because it uses simple language".