is better understood

USAGE SUMMARY

"is better understood" is correct and usable in written English.
For example, you might use it in a sentence like this: "The new policy is better understood once its implications have been discussed in detail."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The cause of the problems is better understood today.

MIT Technology Review

The importance of consuming pumped breast milk is better understood now, Mayer said.

Stanford University

We need to shape a system that is better understood and which commands the electorate's confidence.

The Guardian - Opinion

That means the technique can't be applied immediately by rehab centers until it is better understood.

MIT Technology Review

We argue that the Tea Party is better understood as a reactionary conservative force.

The Washington Post

The nature of the upstream effectors in activating this IR-induced apoptotic pathway is better understood.

Nature

Greenwood is better understood as a composer who has crossed over into rock.

The New Yorker

"The scientific understanding of beer is better understood than that of wine.

The New York Times - Science

Regulation of cholesterol biosynthesis in the liver and other cells of the body is better understood.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The models are also meant to be amended as the market develops and is better understood.

The Economist

The eye disease, which is better understood, is actually harder for her to cope with.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Prefer active voice if possible to make the subject of understanding explicit (e.g., "Researchers better understand the process" instead of "The process is better understood").

Common error

Avoid using "is better understood" excessively, as it can make writing sound vague and less engaging. When possible, specify who understands the subject better and why.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is better understood" functions primarily as a passive voice construction, indicating that a subject has experienced an increase in comprehension. This construction allows writers to emphasize the object of understanding rather than the actor. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is better understood" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive voice construction indicating an improvement in comprehension. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's prevalent across diverse fields like science, news, and encyclopedias, suggesting broad applicability. While versatile, mindful use of active voice is advised for more engaging writing. By considering its function, purpose, and register, writers can effectively convey enhanced understanding in their communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is more clearly understood

Emphasizes clarity of understanding rather than just improvement.

is more fully comprehended

Focuses on the completeness of understanding.

is grasped more effectively

Highlights the efficiency of understanding something.

is perceived with greater insight

Stresses the depth and perception involved in understanding.

is apprehended more readily

Focuses on the ease with which something is understood.

is now easier to understand

Indicates a shift in the difficulty level of understanding.

has become better known

Emphasizes the increased familiarity and awareness.

is interpreted with greater accuracy

Focuses on the precision of understanding.

is elucidated more thoroughly

Highlights the comprehensive explanation and understanding.

is gaining increased recognition

Indicates a growing acknowledgment and understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "is better understood" in a sentence?

You can use "is better understood" to indicate that a concept, process, or situation is now comprehended more fully than before. For example, "The impact of climate change on coastal communities is better understood now than it was a decade ago".

What are some alternatives to "is better understood"?

Alternatives include phrases like "is more clearly understood", "is more fully comprehended", or "is grasped more effectively", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Which is correct, "is better understood" or "is well understood"?

Both are correct, but they have different meanings. "Is better understood" implies an improvement in understanding over time, while "is well understood" simply indicates that something is currently comprehended thoroughly.

What's the difference between "is better understood" and "was better understood"?

"Is better understood" indicates a current state of improved understanding. "Was better understood" implies that at a past time, something was comprehended more fully than it is now, which may suggest a loss of understanding or clarity.