is understood on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is understood on" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It can be used when discussing the context or conditions under which something is comprehended, but it is better to use more standard expressions. Example: "The concept is understood on a basic level, but further explanation is needed."

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Despite the fact that peer reviewers play a major role in selecting what science is published (and thereby "endorsed"), little is understood on how to select the best reviewers or improve the skills of existing ones.

BMC Medical Education

Meanwhile, Rivers's frustration is understood on many levels.

The New York Times - Sports

It is understood on both sides that given this history, progress in our bilateral relationship needs to proceed on a step-by-step and reciprocal basis.

The Guardian

Venus is extremely hot, dry, and in other ways so forbidding that it is improbable that life as it is understood on Earth could have developed there.

Encyclopedia Britannica

" 'Chicago' is a universal, timeless piece of theater that is understood on all levels and in all languages," said Mr. Weissler, who has produced the show in 255 cities around the world (the figure includes several national and international tours).

The New York Times

Every carefully observed face is understood on the basis of such a dominant impression ….

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Relevance should be understood on two levels, as epistemic relevance on the one hand and societal relevance on the other.

BMC Medical Ethics

Is it an autonomous work of art in its own right, something of beauty to be understood on its own terms?

The Economist

As historians never tire of saying, each historical moment is unique and must be understood on its own terms.

The New York Times

It restores immediacy to a wretched series of events that first need to be understood on their own terms.

The New York Times - Books

The weather, which had been understood on a place-by-place basis, was suddenly much more than a collection of local events.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Substitute with more common alternatives such as "is understood in" or "is understood by" to avoid awkward phrasing.

Common error

Avoid using "is understood on" when a more direct preposition like 'in' or 'by' would provide greater clarity. For example, instead of saying "the concept is understood on a basic level", consider "the concept is understood at a basic level" or "the concept is understood in basic terms".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is understood on" primarily functions as a passive construction linking a subject to a basis or condition of understanding. It specifies the framework within which something is comprehended. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically acceptable, though sometimes awkward.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

63%

News & Media

27%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is understood on" serves to define the basis or conditions under which something is comprehended, although Ludwig AI indicates it can occasionally sound awkward. Predominantly found in scientific and news-related contexts, its grammatical correctness is generally acknowledged, but alternative phrasings may sometimes offer greater clarity. As highlighted in the usage guidance, ensuring clarity by specifying the basis of understanding is crucial. While acceptable, a more common phrase, "is understood in" may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is seen in the context of

Directly indicates that understanding is tied to a particular situation or set of circumstances.

is comprehended within

Focuses more on the encompassing context where understanding occurs.

is framed within

Highlights that understanding is shaped by a specific boundary or structure.

is grasped in light of

Emphasizes that understanding comes from a particular perspective or viewpoint.

is viewed from the standpoint of

Emphasizes the subjectivity and perspective involved in understanding.

is interpreted through

Highlights the role of a specific lens or framework in the process of understanding.

is construed with respect to

Indicates that understanding takes into account particular aspects or relations.

is appreciated given

Suggests that understanding comes with acknowledging certain conditions or factors.

is perceived under

Focuses on understanding based on a certain condition or influence.

is conceptualized according to

Emphasizes that understanding follows a specific model or system of thought.

FAQs

What does "is understood on" mean?

The phrase "is understood on" suggests that something is comprehended or interpreted based upon a specific foundation, level, or model. It highlights the conditions or context within which understanding occurs.

What are some alternatives to "is understood on"?

Alternatives include "is understood in", "is understood by", "is seen in the context of", or "is interpreted through", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "is understood on" grammatically correct?

While grammatically sound, the phrase "is understood on" can sometimes sound awkward or less natural than alternatives like "is understood in" or "is understood by". The suitability of "is understood on" depends on the context.

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

Use "is understood on" to indicate the basis or framework upon which understanding is built. For example, "The economic model is understood on certain key assumptions" or "The concept is understood on different levels of complexity".