have been understood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been understood" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has been comprehended or grasped by someone in the past and continues to be so in the present. Example: "The instructions have been understood by all team members, ensuring that everyone is on the same page."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The basic dynamics of earthquakes have been understood for decades.

The New York Times - Science

Racial prejudice and conflict have been understood as American, not Southern, problems.

The New Yorker

It is likely that Disraeli would have been understood, and welcomed, the programmes that we are developing.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ms. Mann notes that this updating of an old legend would have been understood as an allusion to the Inquisition.

The New York Times - Arts

They have been understood since at least the 1980s, through the writings of Amory B. Lovins and other thinkers.

The New York Times

Monis would have been understood, and diminished by being seen, as his lawyer described him, as "a damaged goods individual".

The Guardian

"It is only recently that the possible health hazards of HS2 from the rotting weed have been understood".

Independent

People in Washington have finally realized what should have been understood years ago: Under no circumstances is North Korea going to surrender its nuclear weapons.

The New York Times

Evidently the landscape is alive to her, and she communicates with it, an idea that sounds as if it might have been understood by ancient Chinese painters.

The New York Times - Arts

The details may not have been understood: I'm not sure I would have realised that you couldn't have buckles on shoes.

The Guardian

For most of the last millennium weather events have been understood as the purposeful language of heaven, sequels to the first dire flood.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have been understood" when indicating that a concept, idea, or situation is currently and has been comprehended over a period of time. This emphasizes an ongoing state of understanding rather than a singular moment of realization.

Common error

Avoid using "had been understood" when the understanding continues to the present. "Had been understood" indicates a past understanding that may no longer be relevant or current. Use "have been understood" for present relevance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been understood" functions as a passive perfect construction, indicating that the subject has received the action of being understood. Ludwig AI shows its widespread use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

27%

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have been understood" is a grammatically sound and versatile construction that conveys an ongoing state of comprehension. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is frequently used across diverse contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific and academic writing. The phrase's function as a passive perfect construction highlights that the subject has received and continues to possess the quality of being understood. While variations like "have been grasped" or "have been comprehended" can offer subtle shifts in emphasis, it's essential to avoid confusion with tenses like "had been understood", which indicates a past, potentially obsolete understanding. By adhering to best practices and avoiding common errors, writers can effectively leverage the phrase "have been understood" to communicate clarity and comprehension in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have been grasped

Replaces "understood" with "grasped", emphasizing the act of seizing or comprehending an idea.

have been comprehended

Substitutes "understood" with "comprehended", highlighting a thorough understanding.

have been realized

Focuses on the moment of becoming fully aware of something, differing slightly from a continuous state of understanding.

have been appreciated

Highlights that something has been valued or recognized for its true worth, adding an element of acknowledgement.

have become clear

Shifts the focus to the clarity of something, implying it was previously unclear.

have been ascertained

Indicates that something has been definitively determined or found out, emphasizing certainty.

have been deciphered

Suggests that something complex or obscure has been successfully interpreted, implying difficulty.

have been figured out

An informal alternative, implying a solution or explanation has been discovered.

have been made aware of

Emphasizes the act of informing someone, suggesting a passive reception of understanding.

have been brought to light

Suggests something previously hidden or unknown is now revealed and understood.

FAQs

How can I use "have been understood" in a sentence?

The phrase "have been understood" indicates that something has been comprehended or grasped in the past and continues to be so in the present. For example, "The basic principles of the theory "have been understood" for many years."

What are some alternatives to "have been understood"?

You can use alternatives like "have been grasped", "have been comprehended", or "have been realized" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "have been understood" and "was understood"?

"Have been understood" implies an ongoing state of comprehension from the past to the present. "Was understood", on the other hand, indicates that something was comprehended at a specific point in the past, without necessarily implying continued understanding. This difference can be critical for correct usage.

When should I use "have been understood" versus "had been understood"?

Use "have been understood" when the understanding is current and relevant. Use "had been understood" when referring to a past understanding that may no longer be applicable or has changed. For example, "The initial plans "had been understood", but they were later revised."