could be better understood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be better understood" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the clarity or comprehensibility of a concept, idea, or piece of information. Example: "The instructions provided could be better understood if they included more detailed examples."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

If animals, and humans in particular, are viewed, even in part, as automata with varying degrees of accomplishment and success that depend on their abilities to cope with their environment, then human beings could be better understood and their potentialities could be further realized by exploring a generalized version of an automaton's ability to predict.

Encyclopedia Britannica

By using numerical methods, the interaction between water mist and fire could be better understood.

Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries

Experiments were performed in which the benefits of flow through the large interconnecting cavities in structured metal foams (acting as catalyst supports) could be better understood.

Catalysis Today

A major benefit of nuclear transfer would be to walk a patient's cell back to an embryonic state so disease processes could be better understood.

The New York Times

The failure mechanism of rock mass surrounding the large cavern, which involves complex excavation sequences, could be better understood through the observation results.

Engineering Geology

But if the process could be better understood so it reliably prints flawless parts, the researchers said, the need for testing would diminish and the manufacturing cost could come down.

Stanford University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

There are intriguing complex shadings surrounding its contradictions and the fact that no place could be less tolerant of the desires of Saville or other natural outsiders trapped within the village boundary – but nowhere could they be better understood or valued either.

The Guardian - Books

The verse could perhaps be better understood in our terms if it referred not to a sword but to an automatic rifle or shotgun sold out of the trunk of a person's car in a lumber-company parking lot in Dothan, Alabama.

The New Yorker

Dudley's religion could thus be better understood, rather than simply to brand him as a hypocrite.

Wikipedia

In terms of the medical student group, rather than suggesting an erosion of empathy, this pattern of habituation with these specific items could perhaps be better understood through a utilitarian lens that explains the morality of an action in terms of its consequences.

BMJ Open

However, as its development has gown and it is better understood, it could be used to minimize loss of or enhance any variable that would minimize subsidence impacts and improve regional economic and community development.

International Journal of Coal Science & Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could be better understood", ensure the context clearly indicates what actions or information would lead to improved understanding. For example, "The user manual could be better understood with the addition of visual aids."

Common error

Avoid using "could be better understood" without specifying what 'it' refers to. Ensure the subject is clear to prevent ambiguity. For instance, instead of "It could be better understood", specify "The process could be better understood."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be better understood" functions as a modal passive construction, expressing a possibility or suggestion that something is not yet fully comprehended and requires improvement. As noted by Ludwig AI, this construction is grammatically correct and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

24%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could be better understood" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to suggest that further clarification or investigation is needed to enhance comprehension. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. Predominantly found in scientific and news media sources, it maintains a neutral to formal tone. When using this phrase, ensure the subject is clear and specify what actions or information would lead to improved understanding. Alternatives include "could be more clearly understood" and "requires further clarification", offering nuanced ways to express similar concepts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be more clearly understood

Emphasizes clarity in understanding.

could be more readily understood

Focuses on the ease with which something can be understood.

could be more deeply understood

Highlights the depth of understanding required.

could be grasped more effectively

Replaces "understood" with "grasped" and emphasizes effectiveness.

could be interpreted more accurately

Shifts focus to the accuracy of interpretation.

warrants further investigation

Suggests the need for more inquiry.

deserves greater attention

Emphasizes the importance of giving more focus.

requires further clarification

Highlights the necessity of making something clearer.

calls for more research

Indicates that more research is needed.

needs more comprehensive analysis

Suggests a more thorough examination is required.

FAQs

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

Use "could be better understood" to suggest that a topic or concept is not fully clear and requires further explanation or investigation. For example, "The impact of climate change on local ecosystems "could be better understood" with more long-term data."

What are some alternatives to "could be better understood"?

You can use alternatives like "could be more clearly understood", "requires further clarification", or "needs more comprehensive analysis" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "could be understood better" or "could be better understood"?

"Could be better understood" is generally preferred as it maintains a more natural and standard English word order. While "could be understood better" isn't incorrect, it's less common and can sound slightly awkward.

How does "could be better understood" differ from "is misunderstood"?

"Could be better understood" suggests a lack of complete understanding or clarity, but not necessarily a wrong understanding. "Is misunderstood", on the other hand, implies that the current understanding is incorrect or flawed.