is intelligible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is intelligible" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is understandable or clear in meaning. Example: "The explanation provided by the teacher is intelligible, making it easier for the students to grasp the complex concepts."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Otherwise, there is no criterion of intelligibility, and for Norris "all Truth is intelligible" (30).

SEP

4. Hence the cosmos is intelligible in the old sense of "Capable of understanding; able to understand; intelligent.

SEP

At least that dialogue is intelligible.

The Guardian

Still, at least the kickback system is intelligible.

The Economist

Third, and perhaps most important, reality for the metaphysician is intelligible as opposed to opaque.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Though the action itself is intelligible, the particulars (brass bands, compliments on outlandish outfits) are almost inscrutable.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I believe the expression comes from cricket, a sport that is intelligible to residents of Commonwealth countries but mystifying to the rest of the world.

The New York Times

The dialects from the extreme east and west of the Swiss Rhaetian area are mutually intelligible only with difficulty, though each dialect is intelligible to its neighbour.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Sweep has made several statements on the subject, but unfortunately his squeak is intelligible only to the Corbett family and its friends.

Independent

This knowledge is accessible to the naive believer in metaphors, the inner meaning of which is intelligible only to the metaphysician with the help of demonstration.

Encyclopedia Britannica

By E. B. White The New Yorker, March 3 , 1951P. 21 Comment on a pocket calculating machine by which writers may test their writing to see whether is is intelligible.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In persuasive writing, make sure your arguments "is intelligible" by structuring your points logically and using clear, concise language.

Common error

Avoid using overly complex sentence structures when trying to convey that something "is intelligible". Simpler sentences enhance clarity and comprehension, ensuring your message resonates effectively with your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is intelligible" primarily functions as a predicative adjective phrase. It describes a quality or state of being, indicating that something is capable of being understood. As Ludwig AI states, it describes something that is understandable or clear in meaning.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is intelligible" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression denoting that something is capable of being understood. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for diverse contexts. Predominantly featured in science, news media, and encyclopedic sources, the phrase exhibits a neutral to formal register. Alternative phrases such as "is understandable" and "is comprehensible" offer similar meanings, while practical writing guidance emphasizes clarity and avoidance of overly complex sentence structures. "Is intelligible" is a versatile tool for expressing comprehensibility across various forms of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is understandable

This alternative emphasizes the ability to be understood, similar to "is intelligible", but uses a more common term.

is comprehensible

This phrase highlights the capacity of something to be grasped mentally, mirroring the meaning of "is intelligible".

is clear

This option focuses on the lack of ambiguity, suggesting ease of understanding, much like "is intelligible".

is lucid

This alternative suggests a clarity that makes something easy to understand, comparable to "is intelligible" but with a slightly more formal tone.

is accessible

This phrase focuses on the ease with which something can be understood or obtained, similar to "is intelligible" in the context of understanding.

is graspable

This alternative emphasizes the ability to be easily understood or seized mentally, similar to "is intelligible".

is coherent

This phrase indicates a logical and consistent structure that makes something easy to understand, much like "is intelligible".

is unambiguous

This option highlights the absence of multiple interpretations, ensuring clarity and ease of understanding, similar to "is intelligible".

is discernible

This alternative suggests the ability to perceive or recognize something clearly, relating to the understandability implied by "is intelligible".

is knowable

This phrase focuses on the possibility of knowing or understanding something, sharing the aspect of comprehensibility with "is intelligible".

FAQs

How can I use "is intelligible" in a sentence?

You can use "is intelligible" to describe something that is understandable or clear. For example, "The professor's explanation of the complex theory "is intelligible" to all the students".

What are some alternatives to "is intelligible"?

Some alternatives to "is intelligible" include "is understandable", "is clear", and "is comprehensible". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "is intelligible" formal or informal?

"Is intelligible" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very casual conversation, simpler terms like "makes sense" might be preferred.

What's the difference between "is intelligible" and "is understandable"?

While "is intelligible" and "is understandable" are largely synonymous, "is intelligible" might be perceived as slightly more formal and technical than "is understandable". Both convey the idea of being capable of being understood.