could be understood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be understood" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you are expressing the possibility of something being comprehended or interpreted in a certain way. For example, "The complex instructions, though wordy, could be understood by a patient reader."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Human beings, it was thought, could be understood purely by observing what they did.

The New York Times - Books

It could be understood.

The New York Times

Whatever he had to say could be understood by everyone.

The Guardian - Books

Mr. Ligeti was less concerned with courting publicity than with writing music that could be understood.

The New York Times - Arts

He also says that what Hitler did could be understood as a reaction to Stalin.

The New York Times

Time had needed to pass before the true subject could be understood.

The Guardian

But there is much of modern Italy, she added, that could be understood better.

The New York Times

Or it could be understood extravagantly as a thorough grasp of reality and man's place therein.

The Economist

Many features of historical interpretation could be understood as properties of narratives.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Its instructions could be understood and its dances performed by anyone.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Finally, ads could be understood.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could be understood", consider the context. It often implies a possibility or potential for understanding, rather than a certainty. Make sure the surrounding text clarifies whether the understanding is likely or merely possible.

Common error

Avoid using "could be understood" when the subject is already clearly and universally understood. Overusing the phrase in such cases can make your writing sound hesitant or uncertain when confidence is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be understood" functions as a passive modal construction, indicating the possibility of comprehension or interpretation. According to Ludwig, the expression is grammatically correct and widely employed. It positions the subject as the recipient of the action of understanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

27%

News & Media

26%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "could be understood" is a versatile expression used to indicate the potential for comprehension or interpretation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, including science, news, and encyclopedias. It functions as a passive modal construction, suggesting a possibility rather than a certainty. When using this phrase, it's important to consider the context and ensure that the potential for understanding is clearly communicated. While alternatives like "can be comprehended" or "is able to be grasped" exist, "could be understood" offers a nuanced way to express the possibility of comprehension without overstating certainty. Thus, according to Ludwig, this phrase can be helpful in the right context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be comprehended

Uses "can" instead of "could", indicating a general possibility rather than a conditional one. It focuses on the ability to grasp the meaning.

is able to be grasped

Replaces "understood" with "grasped", emphasizing the act of mentally seizing or comprehending something.

is capable of being deciphered

Uses "deciphered" to suggest a more complex process of understanding, like breaking a code or solving a puzzle.

is open to interpretation

Focuses on the aspect of different possible understandings rather than just a single comprehension.

admits of explanation

Implies that something can be explained or accounted for, often used in a formal or academic context.

is within the realm of understanding

Emphasizes that something falls within the scope or boundaries of what can be understood.

can be made sense of

Replaces "understood" with a more informal phrase, highlighting the process of finding meaning or coherence.

is susceptible to comprehension

Uses "susceptible" to indicate a vulnerability or openness to being understood.

yields to understanding

Suggests that understanding is achieved through effort or investigation.

is penetrable to the mind

Emphasizes the ability of the mind to access or comprehend something.

FAQs

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

Use "could be understood" to indicate that something has the potential to be comprehended in a particular way. For instance, "The artist's message "could be understood" as a commentary on society".

What are some alternatives to "could be understood"?

Alternatives include "can be comprehended", "is able to be grasped", or "is open to interpretation", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "could be understood" or "can be understood"?

The choice depends on the context. "Could be understood" suggests a conditional or potential understanding, while "can be understood" implies a general ability to be understood. Therefore use "can be understood" to signalize a general ability or possibility.

What's the difference between "could be understood" and "was understood"?

"Could be understood" expresses a possibility or potential for understanding, whereas "was understood" indicates that understanding actually occurred in the past.