is properly understood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is properly understood" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing whether something has been comprehended or interpreted correctly. Example: "The concept of empathy is crucial in communication, and it is important that it is properly understood by all participants."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Do you think widowhood is properly understood?

The New York Times - Magazine

Charts can help, analysts argue, if their pictorial language is properly understood.

The New York Times - Books

It is properly understood not as self-love but emotionally monogamous self-love.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

If the value chain is properly understood, it's possible to optimise the flow of materials throughout the system as a whole.

The Guardian

Given that the case has led to social work once again coming under intense public scrutiny, it is vital that what was done is properly understood.

The Guardian - Opinion

(b) Because Bacchus did not reserve the question, and remanded the case for consideration of remedial issues, it is properly understood to have followed the normal practice of applying its rule retroactively to the litigants there before the Court.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

Quite what happened next may never be properly understood.

The Guardian

They cannot be properly understood if they are defined by utility.

The Guardian - Games

Only at a second viewing can its complexity be properly understood; it rewards endless revisits.

The Guardian - Film

Autism among women and girls is only starting to be properly understood.

The Guardian

But exactly what causes spontaneous mutation has never been properly understood.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is properly understood", ensure the context clearly indicates who needs to understand it and why that understanding is important. This adds clarity and relevance to your statement.

Common error

While "is properly understood" is grammatically correct, excessive use of passive voice can make your writing sound vague or indirect. Consider rephrasing to active voice for a more direct and engaging style when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is properly understood" functions as a passive construction, typically used to indicate that a subject requires a correct or accurate interpretation. It highlights the importance of the understanding itself, rather than the actor who is doing the understanding. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

36%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is properly understood" is a versatile and frequently used passive construction that emphasizes the importance of accurate comprehension. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for various contexts, particularly in academic, scientific, and news-related materials. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clarifies who needs to understand what and why for maximum impact. Alternatives such as "is rightly interpreted" or "is correctly grasped" can provide subtle shifts in meaning. Remember to be mindful of overusing the passive voice and strive for clarity and engagement in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is rightly interpreted

Replaces "understood" with "interpreted", emphasizing the act of assigning meaning correctly.

is correctly grasped

Substitutes "understood" with "grasped", highlighting the act of comprehending something quickly and accurately.

is accurately perceived

Emphasizes the correctness of sensory input and its interpretation.

is rightly conceived

Focuses on the correctness of the initial idea or concept formation.

is appropriately contextualized

Highlights the importance of placing something in the right context for proper understanding.

is adequately comprehended

Replaces "properly understood" with "adequately comprehended", focusing on how thorough the understanding is.

is duly appreciated

Shifts the focus to the value and importance being correctly recognized.

is completely deciphered

Emphasizes the act of successfully decoding or unraveling something complex.

is expertly assessed

Highlights that the interpretation or assessment is done by an expert and therefore, correctly.

is skillfully interpreted

Similar to "expertly assessed" but emphasizes skill rather than authority.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "is properly understood" to sound more active?

Consider using phrases like "people understand it correctly" or "experts have interpreted it accurately". The active voice makes the subject performing the action clearer and the sentence more direct.

What's the difference between "is properly understood" and "is well understood"?

"Is properly understood" implies that a correct or accurate understanding is crucial, while "is well understood" simply indicates that something is widely known or comprehended, without necessarily emphasizing the correctness of that understanding.

Is "is properly understand" grammatically correct?

No, the correct form is "is properly understood". The verb "understand" requires the past participle form ("understood") when used in the passive voice with "is".

What are some synonyms for "properly" in the context of "is properly understood"?

Alternatives include "correctly", "accurately", "rightly", or "appropriately". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.