can be understood by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be understood by" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is comprehensible to a particular audience or group of people. Example: "The complex theory can be understood by those with a background in physics."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

All these issues can be understood by considering the gap between state and nation in Brazil.

The Guardian - Opinion

And financial statements need to be simplified so they can be understood by even small investors.

The New York Times

That is, if you believe that social environments can be understood by science.

The New York Times - Magazine

I'd like to put together a plan whose results can be understood by everyone".

The New York Times

Every aspect of Greek civilisation, it seems, can be understood by looking at images of the human body.

The Guardian - Arts

As "The Patriot" shows, however, the challenge of creating characters that can be understood by modern audiences is hardly insuperable.

The New York Times

Maybe the common language of contact sports can be understood by football fans eager to vary their palate.

The Guardian - Sport

This can be understood by considering (3.25).

The Journal of Mathematical Neuroscience (JMN)

This can be understood by electrostatic approximation.

Nanoscale Research Letters

The latter difference can be understood by simple geometric arguments.

Catalysis Today

This trend can be understood by the orbital bonding analysis.

Acta Materialia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for a specific audience, ensure your language and explanations are tailored so the content "can be understood by" them. Avoid jargon or overly complex terms unless the audience is familiar with them.

Common error

Avoid using overly technical language when simpler terms "can be understood by" a wider audience. Prioritize clarity over demonstrating expertise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be understood by" functions as a passive construction, indicating the potential for comprehension. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used, signifying its acceptance in various contexts. Examples show its use in explaining complex topics, like science or finance, to a specific audience.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

57%

News & Media

32%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be understood by" serves as a passive construction indicating the capacity for comprehension. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and commonly used across various domains, notably science and news media. The phrase communicates that something is comprehensible to a specific audience, often with the intention of clarifying complex topics. When writing, it's advisable to tailor language to ensure the content "can be understood by" the intended readers, avoiding unnecessary jargon. While generally neutral to formal, the context and vocabulary influence the overall formality. Alternative phrases like "is comprehensible to" or "is accessible to" can be used to add nuance or adjust the tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is comprehensible to

Replaces "can be understood" with a synonym, focusing on the quality of being understandable.

is intelligible to

Similar to 'comprehensible', but emphasizes clarity and ease of understanding.

is graspable by

Implies the ability to seize or capture the meaning, suggesting a more active understanding.

is accessible to

Focuses on the ease with which someone can approach and understand the subject.

is within the grasp of

Indicates that something is achievable or understandable with effort.

is knowable by

Highlights the potential for something to be known or learned.

is decipherable by

Suggests the need for decoding or interpretation to understand something.

yields understanding to

Focuses on the process by which something provides understanding.

becomes clear to

Emphasizes the resulting clarity after understanding something.

is penetrable by

Implies the ability to delve into and comprehend something deeply.

FAQs

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

For a more formal tone, you can use phrases like "is comprehensible to", "is intelligible to", or "is accessible to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's a simpler way to say "can be understood by"?

Simpler alternatives include phrases such as "is clear to", "makes sense to", or "is obvious to".

Is "can be understood by" appropriate for academic writing?

Yes, "can be understood by" is suitable for academic writing, especially when discussing the clarity and accessibility of concepts or information. However, ensure it aligns with the overall formality of your writing.

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

"Can be understood by" indicates that something is capable of being comprehended by someone or something, whereas "can understand" implies the ability of someone or something to comprehend something else. The former is passive, while the latter is active.