is not completely understood

USAGE SUMMARY

"is not completely understood" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when something is not known for certain or is not fully grasped. For example: "The cause of the disease is not completely understood."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Much of this is not completely understood.

International Journal of Orthopaedic and Trauma Nursing

The pedigree of this strain is not completely understood yet.

Yale University

The basis for Mycobacterium tuberculosis virulence is not completely understood.

Tuberculosis

The etiology of IHPS is not completely understood.

Journal of Pediatric Surgery

The evolution of Earth's current atmosphere is not completely understood.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The answer is that it involves a complex process that is not completely understood.

Harvard University

Despite the cortical ubiquity of FFI, its specific function is not completely understood.

Yale University

This phenomenon, however, is not completely understood and underlying mechanisms need further study.

Chemical Engineering Science

However, few randomized controlled trials have examined this relationship, and this process is not completely understood.

Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

However, the mechanism of the active material stabilisation process is not completely understood yet.

Journal of Power Sources

What causes one person and not another to develop an allergy is not completely understood.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is not completely understood", ensure that the context provides a clear indication of what specifically lacks complete understanding. For instance, instead of just stating "the process is not completely understood", specify 'the mechanism of this reaction is not completely understood'.

Common error

Avoid using "is not completely understood" when there is already a substantial body of knowledge. Instead, consider using phrases like 'is not fully elucidated' or 'certain aspects remain unclear' to better reflect the nuance of incomplete understanding versus complete ignorance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not completely understood" functions as a qualifier, indicating that the current knowledge or explanation of a subject is incomplete. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

60%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

News & Media

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is not completely understood" is a grammatically correct and frequently employed expression across diverse fields, primarily science and academia. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys the idea that current knowledge about a subject is incomplete, prompting further investigation. While it's a common phrase, consider using related alternatives like "is not fully clear" or "remains partially unexplained" to add variety to your writing. Remember to use the phrase accurately, ensuring the context aligns with the meaning of incomplete comprehension. This expression appears most often in scientific and academic contexts, marking its formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is imperfectly understood

Highlights the imperfection in understanding.

is not fully clear

Highlights a lack of clarity.

is only partially known

Focuses on the limited amount of knowledge available.

remains partially unexplained

Emphasizes that only some aspects have been explained.

is not entirely deciphered

Suggests the concept is somewhat cryptic or coded.

defies complete explanation

Indicates it is difficult to fully explain.

remains somewhat mysterious

Highlights the enigmatic nature.

is still under investigation

Suggests active efforts to understand.

is subject to ongoing research

Emphasizes that understanding is developing.

is open to interpretation

Highlights the ambiguity and subjectivity.

FAQs

How can I use "is not completely understood" in a sentence?

You can use "is not completely understood" to indicate that a concept, process, or phenomenon is not fully grasped. For example, "The pathogenesis of migraine "is not completely understood"." This suggests further research is needed for full comprehension.

What are some alternatives to "is not completely understood"?

Alternatives include phrases like "is not fully clear", "is only partially known", or "remains partially unexplained". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "is not completely understood" or "is not fully understood"?

Both "is not completely understood" and "is not fully understood" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice between them often depends on personal preference or stylistic considerations. According to Ludwig AI, both phrases are correct.

What does it mean when something "is not completely understood"?

When something "is not completely understood", it means that there are gaps in the current knowledge or that the existing explanations are not comprehensive. It indicates that further investigation or research is required to gain a more thorough understanding.