it is generally understood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is generally understood" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is used to introduce a statement or idea that is commonly accepted or acknowledged as true by most people. Example: "It is generally understood that a balanced diet and regular exercise are important for maintaining good health."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is generally understood that the 1611 Bible owes its greatest debt to William Tyndale.

The Guardian - Books

It is generally understood that players on a contract drive will pad their own statistics first.

The New York Times

It is generally understood that greenhouse gasses produced by human activities are having a warming effect on the climate.

Ecological Economics

While Laker officials have not commented, it is generally understood that the layoffs were made in preparation for the lockout.

The New York Times - Sports

Radiation injury has the advantage of custom, since it is generally understood in medicine to refer to X-ray effect as distinguished from the effects of actinic radiation.

Yale University

It is generally understood that when water flows around a fixed object, turbulence almost invariably occurs and leads to eddies that typically cascade from larger to smaller scales.

The New York Times

In effect, the corporation is a setting where people are not held to their word because it is generally understood that their word is always provisional.

Harvard Business Review

But it is generally understood that they constitute only a small fraction of the total population in the countries where they are present.

Britannica

When people speak of having a bad subway day, it is generally understood that the day in question took place in the subway.

The New York Times

The trading deadline is Thursday, and it is generally understood around the league that the Knicks' entire roster is available, for the right price.

The New York Times - Sports

It is generally understood that the Knicks are conserving salary-cap space for 2010, also known as the Summer of LeBron.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is generally understood" to introduce information that is widely accepted as true or a common assumption within a specific field or context. Ensure the information aligns with the audience's general knowledge for effective communication.

Common error

Avoid using "it is generally understood" to present a personal opinion or a niche idea as a widely accepted fact. Always ensure that the statement truly reflects a common understanding, backed by evidence if necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is generally understood" functions as an introductory clause. It serves to frame a statement as something that is widely accepted or known, setting the stage for the information that follows. Ludwig confirms that this is a common and correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

33%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is generally understood" is a phrase used to introduce information assumed to be common knowledge. Ludwig's analysis indicates it's grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. When using this phrase, make sure the statement reflects true common knowledge. Related phrases include "it is widely accepted" and "it is commonly known", offering similar ways to express widespread understanding. Overall, this phrase serves as a valuable tool for establishing shared context and facilitating clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is widely accepted

Replaces 'understood' with 'accepted', implying a more formal agreement or consensus.

it is commonly known

Emphasizes the familiarity and widespread awareness of the information.

it is a well-known fact

Highlights the factual nature of the understanding, suggesting established knowledge.

it is a common belief

Indicates that the understanding is based on popular opinion or widespread conviction.

it is generally believed

Similar to 'common belief', but suggests a slightly more formal acceptance.

it is a given

Implies that the information is self-evident and requires no further explanation.

it's an established fact

Conveys that the understanding is firmly established and not subject to debate.

it is presupposed

Suggests the understanding is assumed as a basis for further reasoning or discussion.

it is taken for granted

Implies the understanding is so common it's often overlooked or not explicitly acknowledged.

it goes without saying

Emphasizes the obviousness of the understanding, suggesting it's unnecessary to state explicitly.

FAQs

How can I use "it is generally understood" in a sentence?

Use "it is generally understood" to introduce a concept or fact widely accepted within a specific context. For example, "It is generally understood that regular exercise improves cardiovascular health."

What are some alternatives to "it is generally understood"?

You can use phrases like "it is widely accepted", "it is commonly known", or "it is a well-known fact" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "it is generally understood" and "it is generally believed"?

"It is generally understood" implies a common knowledge or assumption, while "it is generally believed" suggests a widespread opinion or conviction. The former leans towards factual acceptance, while the latter is more about popular belief.

When is it inappropriate to use "it is generally understood"?

Avoid using "it is generally understood" if the information isn't actually common knowledge or is subject to debate. Misusing the phrase can lead to overgeneralizations or misrepresentation of facts.