it can be understood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it can be understood" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something is understandable given a certain set of facts or circumstances. For example: "The reasoning behind the complicated tax system can be understood when looking at it from an economic perspective."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Life satisfaction is a global construct within the realm of subjective well-being, and it can be understood to encompass both emotional and judgmental evaluation of life [ 27].

BMC Geriatrics

One of the difficulties of doing research into CA lies in its very definition as it can be understood in different ways.

BMJ Open

For Ms. Wu, the word's ancient meaning of "teacher" is more relevant than its contemporary meaning of man; it can be understood as a gender-neutral accolade.

The New York Times

Its Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level was 5.9 indicating that it can be understood by the average 11 to 12 year-old.

BMC Psychiatry

That this layer needs to be decoded before it can be understood also seems apt.

The Guardian - Film

That means it can be understood and related to by people all over the world".

The New York Times

It can be understood, too, but only dimly and in flashes.

The Guardian - Film

But elsewhere it should be read, it can be understood, it means something.

The Guardian - Books

It can be understood as an instruction in the limitations of and deluded aspirations for power.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In some ways it can be understood as the canary in the coalmine of American power and exceptionalism.

The Guardian - Opinion

For young adults, this literature, when it can be understood for what it is, is the choice of many!

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it can be understood" to introduce an explanation or interpretation, particularly when presenting a complex idea in a clear and accessible way.

Common error

Avoid using "it can be understood" in situations where a more direct or active voice would be clearer and more concise. For instance, instead of "It can be understood that the results are significant", try "The results are significant."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it can be understood" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating the possibility or potential for something to be comprehended or interpreted. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

55%

News & Media

28%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it can be understood" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to introduce an interpretation or explanation. As noted by Ludwig, it's suitable across a range of contexts, although more common in scientific and news-related content. While useful for clarifying complex ideas, be mindful of overuse in simple sentences where a more direct construction may be more appropriate. Consider alternatives like "it is possible to understand" to vary your writing. Overall, "it can be understood" serves as a helpful tool for enhancing clarity and offering insights, as Ludwig AI confirmed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is possible to understand

Emphasizes the possibility of comprehension, slightly different in tone.

it is capable of being understood

Focuses on the inherent ability to be understood, more formal.

it is able to be grasped

Highlights the act of grasping or comprehending the concept.

it is open to interpretation

Suggests multiple valid understandings exist, shifting the focus to subjectivity.

one can interpret it as

Highlights the active role of the interpreter.

it is conceivable that one might understand

Introduces a degree of uncertainty or conditionality.

the meaning is apparent

Implies the understanding is obvious or self-evident.

the underlying concept is accessible

Stresses the accessibility of the core idea.

its significance is clear

Highlights the clarity of the importance or relevance.

one might reasonably assume

Implies a logical basis for understanding something in a particular way.

FAQs

How can I use "it can be understood" in a sentence?

Use "it can be understood" to introduce an explanation or interpretation. For example, "The complex system of regulations "it can be understood" as a series of interconnected checks and balances."

What are some alternatives to "it can be understood"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it is possible to understand", "it is capable of being understood", or "it is open to interpretation", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "it can be understand" grammatically correct?

No, the correct phrasing is ""it can be understood"". The past participle "understood" should be used instead of the base form "understand" after "be" in passive constructions.

What is the difference between "it can be understood" and "it is understood"?

"It can be understood" implies a potential for understanding, while "it is understood" suggests that something is already generally accepted or known. The first highlights the process of coming to understand, while the second emphasizes the state of being understood.