intelligible to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intelligible to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that can be understood by a particular person or group. Example: "The instructions were clear and intelligible to all the participants in the workshop."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

If intelligibility is the criterion, then should the accent be "intelligible" to Chinese listeners, Asians, or native-speakers?

Language Testing in Asia

The puzzles themselves are perfectly intelligible to nongamers.

The New York Times - Arts

Brian's journalistic approach made the guides intelligible to ordinary mortals.

The Guardian

"We try to make it intelligible to prisoners, and we don't always succeed," he says wryly.

The New York Times

Then some cartoon comes along which makes the key points intelligible to children.

The Guardian - Film

Only a few Roman numerals, latitude markings and zodiac signs will be intelligible to novices.

The New York Times - Arts

We are committed to making disclosures more meaningful and intelligible to average investors.

The New York Times

Margerison was science editor, and Cudlipp ensured that everything was intelligible to the lay person.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

That also made it all too intelligible to the pagans, as early heresies indicate.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He alone stood firm and gave definite utterance to principles intelligible to all".

Independent

Must avant-garde literature have a single mechanism to be intelligible to its readers?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for a diverse audience, ensure your language is "intelligible to" individuals with varying levels of expertise by avoiding jargon and technical terms.

Common error

Avoid assuming your audience possesses specific background knowledge. Always define key terms and provide context to make your writing "intelligible to" a wider range of readers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intelligible to" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, indicating the capacity of something to be understood by a specific group or individual. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and useful expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "intelligible to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that indicates something is understandable by a particular audience. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct and usable in English. It is most commonly found in news media, scientific publications, and encyclopedias, suggesting a neutral formality level. When using the phrase, it's crucial to consider the specific knowledge and background of your audience to ensure clarity and avoid jargon. Alternatives like "understandable by" or "accessible to" may be suitable depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

understandable by

Focuses on the ability to be understood, regardless of the audience.

comprehensible to

Highlights the capacity to be fully grasped and understood by someone.

accessible to

Emphasizes ease of understanding and availability of information.

clear to

Stresses the lack of ambiguity and ease of perception.

plain to

Indicates simplicity and directness in communication.

obvious to

Highlights the ease of recognition or understanding, implying little effort is needed.

within the grasp of

Suggests that something is understandable and achievable for a specific person or group.

able to be understood by

Formal and emphatic way of saying that something is capable of being understood by someone.

within the comprehension of

More formal way to suggest that something is within someone's ability to comprehend.

readily grasped by

Emphasizes quick and easy understanding.

FAQs

How can I make complex information "intelligible to" a general audience?

Break down complex topics into smaller, manageable sections. Use clear language, real-world examples, and avoid technical jargon. Visual aids like diagrams and charts can also help improve understanding.

What phrases are similar to "intelligible to"?

Alternatives include "understandable by", "comprehensible to", "accessible to", and "clear to". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "intelligible to" or "understandable to"?

Both are generally interchangeable, but "intelligible to" can sometimes imply a higher degree of clarity and logical coherence. Choose the option that sounds more natural in your specific context.

How do I ensure my writing is "intelligible to" non-native English speakers?

Use simple sentence structures, avoid idioms and slang, and be mindful of cultural differences in communication styles. Providing a glossary of terms can also be helpful.