is understood by

USAGE SUMMARY

'is understood by' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that something is understood by a specific group or individual. For example, "The importance of social distancing during the pandemic is understood by most people."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is understood by those defending privilege.

The Guardian - Opinion

I think that impulse is understood by almost everybody".

The Guardian - Books

The fact that democratic governments engage in propaganda is understood by many people.

The Guardian - Opinion

"There isn't a domain of conversation in culture which is understood by IBM or anybody else.

The Guardian - Tech

I'm not sure how much this need for change is understood by others.

The New York Times

I'm not sure my work is understood by those who fund it.

The Guardian

"Eventually, the international community will keep explaining what is happening until Haiti is understood by all".

The New York Times

Unsurprisingly, "vomit" is understood by 98% of people, but "orally" by a mere third.

The Guardian - Opinion

Standard Portuguese is the official language and is understood by virtually all islanders.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Inevitably, but incorrectly, this change is understood by some in Britain as relevant to the UK's coming referendum.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ministers and officials close to the process say that "our problem is understood" by the French and the Germans.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is understood by", ensure the subject is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify who needs to understand the concept: "The process is understood by the engineering team."

Common error

Avoid using "is understood by" when a more specific verb would be appropriate. Saying "the concept is understood by everyone" might be less precise than "the concept is widely accepted".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is understood by" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that a subject receives the action of being comprehended. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, showcasing its use in expressing comprehension or knowledge as it is received by a specified agent or group.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is understood by" is a grammatically correct and very common passive construction used to indicate comprehension or knowledge possessed by a specific group or individual. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a versatile phrase applicable across various contexts, though best practices suggest clearly defining the subject for clarity. While alternatives like "is comprehended by" or "is known to" exist, "is understood by" remains a reliable choice for expressing understanding. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal settings. Remember to avoid overgeneralization and to ensure your sentence construction is clear and precise.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is comprehended by

Focuses on the mental process of grasping meaning; implies thorough understanding.

is grasped by

Suggests a sudden or intuitive understanding of something.

is known to

Emphasizes awareness or familiarity, rather than necessarily deep comprehension.

is recognized by

Highlights the act of identifying or acknowledging something.

is appreciated by

Implies a valuing or favorable reception of something.

is acknowledged by

Stresses the formal acceptance or recognition of something.

is perceived by

Focuses on how something is interpreted or viewed.

is realized by

Suggests a gradual or delayed understanding.

is learned by

Emphasizes the acquisition of knowledge or skill.

is internalized by

Implies a deep absorption of knowledge or values, affecting one's beliefs or behavior.

FAQs

How do I use "is understood by" in a sentence?

Use "is understood by" to indicate that a concept, idea, or process is comprehended by a specific group or individual. For example, "The legal jargon "is understood by" lawyers."

What are some alternatives to "is understood by"?

You can use alternatives such as "is comprehended by", "is grasped by", or "is known to" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "is understood by" and "is well-known by"?

"Is understood by" implies comprehension of a concept, while "is well-known by" simply indicates familiarity or awareness. For example, "quantum physics "is understood by" physicists" versus "quantum physics "is well-known by" science enthusiasts".

Is it better to use "is understood by" in active or passive voice?

While "is understood by" is already in passive voice, consider whether rephrasing the sentence in active voice would improve clarity. For example, instead of "The theorem "is understood by" mathematicians", you could say "Mathematicians understand the theorem".