is understood of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is understood of" is not commonly used in modern written English and may sound awkward or outdated.
It can be used in contexts where one is explaining how a term or concept is perceived or interpreted, but it is better to use more straightforward language. Example: "The term 'freedom' is understood of as the absence of constraints on one's actions."

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Starring as the villain of movies such as (1975), the white shark is much maligned and publicly feared; however, surprisingly little is understood of its life and behavior.

Britannica

Because they rarely speak before parliamentary committees or the media, or go through pre-appointment hearings, little is understood of them or what they do.

The Economist

Starring as the villain of movies such as Jaws (1975), the white shark is much maligned and publicly feared; however, surprisingly little is understood of its life and behaviour.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And, adds Godfrey, whatever is understood of one is also understood of the other (PB 2.235).

SEP

Formula (2.11) is understood of course in the sense of distributions.

Bulletin of Mathematical Sciences

Total shoulder arthroplasty is commonly performed to treat glenohumeral osteoarthritis (OA); however, little is understood of the mechanics of the reconstructed OA shoulder.

Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

What can be understood of it without the scale and context of human purposes, or the instruments of human thought?

The Guardian - Books

If no one can understand war, then simply to fear for one's brother, and to be horrified, is precisely to understand what can be understood of war.

The New Yorker

Despite the increase in the number of compounds available for pain relief, however, little was understood of their sites and mechanisms of action.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Many of the key issues are understood, of course, but both experiment and computer modelling are showing new features.

Acta Materialia

Murdoch is understood to be supportive of the new role.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more common and direct alternatives like "is interpreted as" or "is regarded as" for clarity and modern style.

Common error

Avoid using "is understood of" excessively, as it can sound stilted or archaic in contemporary writing. Opt for simpler phrasings to improve readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is understood of" functions as a passive construction, indicating how a subject is perceived or interpreted. It is often used to describe common understandings or definitions, though less frequently than alternative phrasings, according to Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

20%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is understood of" serves to express an interpretation or perception. While grammatically sound, it's less common in contemporary English and can sometimes sound stilted. Ludwig AI highlights that alternative phrasings such as "is interpreted as" or "is regarded as" are generally preferred for their clarity and directness. Given its infrequent usage, writers should exercise caution and consider more modern alternatives to ensure their writing remains accessible and engaging.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is interpreted as

Replaces "understood" with "interpreted", focusing on the act of assigning meaning.

is considered to be

Emphasizes a common belief or widespread opinion.

is regarded as

Similar to "is considered to be" but suggests a more formal assessment.

is known as

Indicates a common name or designation.

is defined as

Focuses on a formal definition or established meaning.

is conceived as

Suggests a particular mental representation or conceptualization.

is viewed as

Highlights a specific perspective or way of seeing something.

is taken to mean

Focuses on the implied or inferred meaning.

is thought of as

Emphasizes a mental image or association.

is characterized by

Highlights defining qualities or features.

FAQs

What does "is understood of" mean?

The phrase "is understood of" suggests how something is perceived or interpreted. However, it's less common than alternatives like "is interpreted as" or "is considered to be".

How can I use "is understood of" in a sentence?

While grammatically correct, "is understood of" can sound awkward. Consider rephrasing for clarity. For example, instead of "That concept is understood of differently", say "That concept "is interpreted differently"".

Which is correct, "is understood of" or "is understood as"?

"Is understood as" is more common and generally preferred over "is understood of" in modern English. "Is understood of" isn't incorrect, but can sound outdated.

What can I say instead of "is understood of"?

You can use alternatives like "is interpreted as", "is regarded as", or "is considered to be" depending on the specific context.