is generally understood

USAGE SUMMARY

"is generally understood" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to express something that is commonly known or accepted by most people. Example: It is generally understood that excessive sugar consumption can lead to health issues.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

COMPUTERS figure more in the making of contemporary art than is generally understood.

The New York Times

It is generally understood that the 1611 Bible owes its greatest debt to William Tyndale.

The Guardian - Books

This, she says, is how the presidential candidacy of Barack Obama is generally understood.

The Guardian

It is generally understood that players on a contract drive will pad their own statistics first.

The New York Times

But at least the director's role is generally understood within the industry.

The Guardian

Conversely, tax policies related to individuals may be more important for businesses than is generally understood.

The New York Times

The term is generally understood to describe the collection and/or analysis of data by nonscientists.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But Mr. Khurana doesn't think that it is a real market, as the word is generally understood.

The New York Times

Jazz improvisation is generally understood as a narrative melodic line composed spontaneously in relation to a song's harmonic structure.

The New York Times - Arts

She also finds that the regime has taken more steps to improve women's lives than is generally understood.

The New York Times - Books

But I do think it's not quite the same thing as what is generally understood by the word poverty.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, ensure that the context genuinely reflects a common understanding to maintain credibility. Avoid using it for niche or contested topics.

Common error

Avoid using "is generally understood" when presenting a novel or controversial idea as if it's common knowledge. Instead, provide evidence or context to support your statement. If the notion is only accepted within a specific group, specify that group, instead of suggesting it's a global truth. For example, say: "Among economists, X is generally understood" instead of simply: "X is generally understood".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is generally understood" functions as an introductory clause or transitional phrase. It sets the stage for presenting information that is considered common knowledge or widely accepted. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it serves to introduce shared understandings within a given context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

24%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is generally understood" is a versatile and frequently used expression, as demonstrated by the numerous examples provided by Ludwig. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase indicates something commonly known or accepted. It is grammatically sound and appears most often in News & Media, Science and Encyclopedias sources. The phrase signals to the audience that the information is not new or controversial, helping to establish a common ground. Alternatives include "is commonly known" and "is widely accepted". When using it, be sure that the context truly represents a shared understanding to keep your writing credible.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is commonly known

This emphasizes the prevalence of the knowledge, suggesting it's a fact familiar to most people.

is almost universally agreed

Highlights the near-total consensus on the understanding, indicating very little disagreement.

is widely accepted

This alternative suggests broad agreement or approval, emphasizing acceptance more than understanding.

is conventionally understood

Emphasizes the traditional or customary nature of the understanding.

is broadly recognized

Similar to "is widely accepted", but places more emphasis on formal acknowledgement or recognition.

is a well-known fact

Highlights the factual nature of the information and its widespread recognition.

is the prevailing view

Suggests that this understanding is dominant or most common, especially in a specific field or context.

is the established wisdom

Implies that this understanding has been around for some time and is considered conventional knowledge.

is a common belief

Implies that the understanding is based on popular opinion rather than necessarily being proven.

is public knowledge

This emphasizes the open and accessible nature of the information, suggesting it's not secret or specialized.

FAQs

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

You can use "is generally understood" to introduce a concept or fact that is widely accepted or known. For example, "It "is generally understood" that regular exercise is beneficial for health."

What are some alternatives to "is generally understood"?

Alternatives include phrases like "is commonly known", "is widely accepted", or "is a well-known fact", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "is generally understood" in academic writing?

Yes, it is appropriate, but use it judiciously. Ensure that what you claim ""is generally understood"" truly is, or you risk undermining your credibility. It's often better to provide evidence, even for widely accepted ideas.

What's the difference between "is generally understood" and "is believed"?

"Is generally understood" implies a common knowledge or acceptance, while "is believed" suggests a personal or collective conviction that may not be based on concrete evidence. The former is more about widespread recognition, while the latter is about faith or opinion.