implicitly understood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "implicitly understood" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that is not explicitly stated but is assumed to be known or accepted by the parties involved. Example: "In our discussions, the expectations for the project were implicitly understood, even though they were never formally outlined."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

By saying you go to Bardo or Life Bar, it is implicitly understood what that means.

The New York Times

It was Anna-Dea who poisoned him, and Saga implicitly understood the nanny's mental health problems.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The reason was implicitly understood: there is no hope for a better life if you stay in west Texas.

The Guardian - Opinion

To the end, he still implicitly understood what happened on a dancefloor, and how to make it happen.

The Guardian - Music

The terms of e-laughter — "ha ha," "ho ho," "hee hee," "heh" — are implicitly understood by just about everybody.

The New Yorker

In Mr. Mroué's view, a Beirut audience would have implicitly understood the genesis of his latest piece.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Many businesses implicitly understand this.

The New York Times

It's a point that Kevin Parker seems to implicitly understand.

The Guardian - Music

Humans implicitly understand this; algorithms don't unless you tell them to.

Harvard Business Review

"Even if women haven't studied this or seen this data, they often implicitly understand this, so they hold back".

The New York Times

Most Americans implicitly understand "freedom" doesn't mean the reduction of healthcare coverage, poorly funded schools or the end of protections for consumers.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "implicitly understood" to indicate a shared understanding without explicit communication. This is particularly useful in describing established norms, cultural contexts, or assumptions within a group.

Common error

Avoid using "implicitly understood" when there's a chance the understanding isn't truly shared. If there's any ambiguity or possibility of misinterpretation, make the understanding explicit to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "implicitly understood" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, indicating that something is known or agreed upon without being explicitly stated. It describes a state of shared knowledge or assumption, according to Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

32%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "implicitly understood" is a versatile phrase indicating a shared, unspoken understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently appears across diverse sources, especially in news, science, and academic writing. While efficient, it's crucial to ensure the understanding is truly shared to avoid ambiguity. Related phrases like "tacitly agreed" or "assumed knowledge" offer similar meanings. Using "implicitly understood" correctly can enhance communication by acknowledging shared context and unspoken norms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tacitly agreed

Highlights the unspoken nature of the agreement.

unspoken agreement

Emphasizes the lack of explicit communication.

tacitly known

Focuses on the idea of knowledge that is not openly expressed.

assumed knowledge

Indicates that something is taken for granted.

taken for granted

Highlights that the understanding is not questioned or examined.

understood without saying

Explicitly states that no verbal communication was needed.

inherent understanding

Emphasizes that the understanding is a natural part of something.

presumed understanding

Indicates that the understanding is based on assumption rather than proof.

understood by implication

Focuses on how the understanding arises from indirect cues.

commonly accepted

Stresses widespread agreement about a fact or idea.

FAQs

How can I use "implicitly understood" in a sentence?

You can use "implicitly understood" to describe something that is known or accepted without being directly stated. For example, "It was "tacitly agreed" that overtime was mandatory" or "The rules of the game were "assumed knowledge" among the players".

What are some alternatives to "implicitly understood"?

Alternatives to "implicitly understood" include "tacitly known", "unspoken agreement", or "assumed knowledge". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to be explicit or rely on something being "implicitly understood"?

While "implicitly understood" can streamline communication, it's safer to be explicit when clarity is crucial. Relying on unspoken assumptions can lead to misunderstandings. For example, it's better to use an "expressly understood" agreement.

What is the difference between "implicitly understood" and "explicitly stated"?

"Implicitly understood" means something is known or accepted without being directly expressed, while "explicitly stated" means something is clearly and directly communicated. If something is "explicitly understood", there is no possibility of misunderstanding.