is commonly understood as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is commonly understood as" is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase is typically used when talking about a common belief or interpretation of something. For example: "Freedom of speech is commonly understood as the right to express one's opinions without fear of censorship."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Yellow, for falls, is commonly understood as a symbol for caution, whether by janitors mopping floors or by traffic engineers.

The New York Times

That gap is commonly understood as the average Republican having been more likely to cast a vote in 2010 than the average Democrat.

The New York Times

The finding, Mr. Grafton said, means that Gutenberg was not the inventor of movable type in the way it is commonly understood: as bits of identical type that are created from metal molds.

The New York Times - Arts

What gives the Shaggs' music its power has something to do with the clash between its deficits in what is commonly understood as standard musicality and the palpable earnestness — even vulnerability — of the performers.

The New Yorker

To make matters worse, there exists an imperative to cook and eat "properly", and this is commonly understood as a matter of cooking from scratch using a variety of fresh ingredients.

The Guardian

Sir Christopher Frayling, rector of the Royal College of Art The essence of Derrida is inter-linear analysis: that is, reading between the lines as well as on them; seeing what lies behind a text as well as what is commonly understood as its meaning.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

As I wrote on Thursday, recessions are commonly understood as disruptive rather than destructive to the economy as a whole.

The New York Times

"Since the Soviet days, having a baby in Russia has been commonly understood as a nightmare of understaffed state hospitals and forbidding bureaucratic mazes".

The Guardian

Since mergers and acquisitions (M&As) are commonly understood as a "quick" way to source technologies [1] and may have a disruptive impact on the future competitive landscape [2], the problem of the validity and legitimacy of prognoses made on the basis of these deals becomes highly vibrant.

European Journal of Futures Research

These are commonly understood as "21st-century skills".

Huffington Post

Like breast cancer, heart disease is discussed in gendered terms; it's commonly understood as an affliction that strikes men.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is commonly understood as", ensure that the understanding you are referring to is indeed widespread and not just your personal opinion. Back it up with evidence or context.

Common error

Avoid using "is commonly understood as" when introducing a niche or specialized concept. It's best to reserve it for genuinely widespread knowledge to avoid alienating readers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is commonly understood as" functions as a declarative expression used to introduce a shared definition or interpretation of a concept. It sets a common ground for understanding among communicators, as confirmed by the Ludwig AI's analysis and examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is commonly understood as" serves as a crucial tool for establishing shared understanding and defining concepts within various contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently employed in both formal and informal settings. Its primary function is to present a widely accepted definition or interpretation, ensuring clarity and avoiding ambiguity. While versatile, it's essential to use the phrase judiciously, ensuring the understanding you reference is genuinely widespread. With a strong presence in scientific, news, and formal business domains, it reflects a common approach to knowledge conveyance. By considering its nuances and appropriate use, communicators can effectively leverage this phrase to foster greater comprehension.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is generally accepted as

Replaces "commonly" with "generally", suggesting widespread but not necessarily universal acceptance.

is widely regarded as

Focuses on the reputation or esteem associated with the understanding.

is typically defined as

Highlights the act of defining something in a standard way.

is popularly known as

Emphasizes popular knowledge rather than formal understanding.

is conventionally seen as

Indicates an understanding based on convention or tradition.

is frequently considered

Uses 'frequently' instead of 'commonly', implying it's often thought of in a certain way.

is often interpreted as

Stresses the act of interpretation rather than a static understanding.

is usually conceived as

Replaces 'understood' with 'conceived', suggesting a mental construct or idea.

is perceived by most as

Highlights the aspect of perception and the majority opinion.

is taken by many to be

Focuses on how something is received or believed by a significant portion of people.

FAQs

How can I use "is commonly understood as" in a sentence?

Use "is commonly understood as" to introduce a widely accepted definition or interpretation of a concept. For example, "Euthanasia is commonly understood as the practice of intentionally ending a life to relieve pain and suffering".

What are some alternatives to "is commonly understood as"?

You can use alternatives like "is generally accepted as", "is widely regarded as", or "is typically defined as" depending on the context.

Is it okay to use "is commonly understood as" in academic writing?

Yes, "is commonly understood as" is perfectly acceptable in academic writing when defining widely known concepts or establishing a shared baseline of knowledge for your readers.

What's the difference between "is commonly understood as" and "is believed to be"?

"Is commonly understood as" refers to a widespread interpretation or definition, while "is believed to be" suggests a belief or opinion that may not be universally accepted. The former implies a stronger consensus.