is to be understood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is to be understood" is grammatically correct and is commonly used in written English.
It can be used to express that something should be interpreted or comprehended in a particular way. Here are a few examples: 1. "The instructions in this manual are to be understood as guidelines rather than strict rules." 2. "The meaning of this poem is to be understood within its historical context." 3. "It is important for the reader to understand that this character's actions are to be understood as a reflection of his troubled past." 4. "The purpose of this study is to be understood in the context of previous research on the topic." 5. "Her words were carefully chosen and are to be understood as a sincere apology."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

English is to be understood in the broadest international sense.

Princeton University

("Some" is to be understood as meaning "at least one").

Encyclopedia Britannica

What is to be understood from this apparent contradiction?

The Economist

The more I grow, the more I direct, the more difficult it is to be understood.

The Guardian - Film

Mr. Tarr's chilly tour de force is to be understood as art all right.

The New York Times

This is an amazing transformation of the terms in which our circumstance is to be understood.

The Guardian - Books

The general element stands first and is to be understood metaphorically.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This presentation is to be understood as a plea for a cultural approach, so called "Leitbild" research.

Princeton University

Mr. Hickey believes art is to be understood by its consequences and not by the intentions of the artist.

The New York Times - Arts

My sole intention, along with a blind but sincere faith, is to be understood, and to understand myself.

The New Yorker

It is to be understood that a formula is a formal expression i.e., a term without meaning.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is to be understood" when you want to emphasize a specific interpretation or meaning that should be derived from something. Ensure the context clearly supports the intended understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "is to be understood" in situations where a simpler, more direct phrasing like "means" or "implies" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose and formal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is to be understood" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating how something should be interpreted or comprehended. Ludwig AI shows this phrase is commonly found in academic and formal contexts, emphasizing clarity and precision in conveying meaning. It serves to guide the audience towards a specific understanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

22%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

9%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is to be understood" serves as a modal passive construction to guide interpretation, commonly found in formal and scientific contexts to prevent misunderstanding. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various reputable sources. While versatile, it should be employed judiciously, avoiding overuse in simpler contexts where direct phrasing suffices. Remember to ensure clarity and precision when using "is to be understood" to communicate effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should be understood

Rephrases with 'should be understood', adding a sense of recommendation or expectation.

must be understood

Replaces with 'must be understood', indicating necessity or importance in understanding.

is to be interpreted

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

is meant to be understood

Adds 'meant to be', emphasizing intention behind the understanding.

is to be comprehended

Substitutes 'understood' with 'comprehended', highlighting a thorough grasp of the subject.

is to be construed

Uses 'construed' instead of 'understood', suggesting a specific way of understanding based on context.

is to be viewed

Replaces 'understood' with 'viewed', focusing on a particular perspective or way of seeing something.

can be understood

Uses 'can be understood', suggesting possibility or capability of understanding.

is to be taken

Employs 'taken' instead of 'understood', implying a specific interpretation should be adopted.

is intended to mean

Shifts focus to the intended meaning rather than the act of understanding itself.

FAQs

How can I use "is to be understood" in a sentence?

Use "is to be understood" to clarify the intended meaning or interpretation of a statement, concept, or action. For example, "This rule "is to be understood" as a guideline, not a strict requirement."

What are some alternatives to "is to be understood"?

Alternatives include "is to be interpreted", "should be understood", or simply "means" or "implies", depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to use "is to be understood"?

No, it's not always necessary. Use it when you want to emphasize a specific interpretation or prevent misunderstanding. In many cases, a simpler phrasing will be clearer and more concise.

What's the difference between "is to be understood" and "can be understood"?

"Is to be understood" implies a specific, intended meaning, while "can be understood" suggests a possible or potential interpretation. "The instruction "is to be understood" in this way" indicates a required interpretation. "The instruction "can be understood" in several ways" suggests multiple valid interpretations.