is not understood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'is not understood' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something is not clear or comprehended. For example: "The technical jargon in the document is not understood."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The situation is not understood.

The New Yorker

But that is not understood yet".

The New York Times

That is what is not understood outside this country".

The New York Times

The regulation of carbon partitioning in photosynthesis is not understood.

Current Opinion in Chemical Biology

The molecular basis for differences in pathogenicity is not understood.

International Journal for Parasitology

The biological basis of mood is not understood.

Pharmacology & Therapeutics

Meanwhile, how much and how these topographical uncertainties affect calculated results is not understood.

Journal of Hydrology

The creep behavior of α-zirconium at high temperatures is not understood.

Acta Materialia

The microscopic origin of the RRAM in perovskite metal oxides is not understood clearly.

Nanoscale Research Letters

However, the mechanism by which these variants produce the disease is not understood.

Neurología

Many patients regain cold sensitivity after REPs, but the mechanism is not understood.

Neuroscience

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is not understood", ensure the subject is clearly defined. Ambiguity in the subject can lead to confusion about what exactly lacks understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "is not understood" as a dismissive statement. Instead, specify which aspects are unclear and what steps are being taken to improve understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not understood" primarily functions as a descriptive statement indicating a lack of comprehension or clarity regarding a specific topic or phenomenon. Ludwig AI examples confirm its usage in various contexts, particularly in scientific and explanatory writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

54%

News & Media

25%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is not understood" is a grammatically correct and frequently employed expression across various domains. According to Ludwig AI analysis, it functions primarily to indicate a lack of comprehension or clarity, particularly within scientific and news contexts. While generally neutral to formal in register, its consistent usage in academic and professional writing lends it authority. For alternative phrasing, consider options such as "remains unclear" or "is not comprehended" for greater formality. When using the phrase, ensure the subject of understanding is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not comprehended

Replaces "understood" with "comprehended", emphasizing the lack of mental grasping.

is not grasped

Uses "grasped" to suggest a failure to mentally seize or understand something.

remains unclear

Focuses on the lack of clarity rather than the lack of understanding.

is not clear

A more direct way of saying that something lacks clarity or is ambiguous.

is not known

Indicates that information is lacking, often implying a broader absence of knowledge rather than individual comprehension.

remains unknown

Similar to "is not known", but emphasizes the continuing state of lacking knowledge.

is not deciphered

Suggests that something is encoded or difficult to interpret, and has not been successfully interpreted.

is beyond comprehension

Implies that something is too difficult or complex to be understood.

eludes understanding

Highlights that something avoids or escapes being understood.

is not appreciated

Indicates a lack of awareness or recognition of the importance or significance of something, instead of intellectual understanding.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "is not understood" to sound more formal?

You can use phrases like "remains unclear", "is not comprehended", or "eludes understanding" to achieve a more formal tone.

What are some common contexts where "is not understood" is used?

The phrase "is not understood" is frequently used in scientific research, news reports, and academic discussions to indicate a lack of clarity or knowledge about a particular subject.

Is it better to use "is not understood" or "is not known"?

The choice between "is not understood" and "is not known" depends on the context. "Is not understood" implies a lack of comprehension, while "is not known" suggests a complete absence of information.

What's a less direct way to say "is not understood"?

Alternatives like "remains unclear" or "is not clear" can soften the statement while still conveying a lack of understanding or clarity.