it is generally understood that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is generally understood that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce a statement or idea that is widely accepted or recognized by a group or community. Example: "In the field of climate science, it is generally understood that human activities contribute significantly to global warming."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

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

Although it is generally understood that the process affects important CNT properties, little is known about how parameters affect synthesized CNTs.

Carbon

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

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

It is generally understood that urban transportation networks in overcrowded urban areas need to be developed with the assumption of pedestrian movement within roughly 300 m.

Procedia Engineering

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is generally understood that", be prepared to provide evidence or reasoning to support the statement, especially in academic or professional contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "it is generally understood that" as a substitute for concrete evidence or specific citations. While it introduces a common notion, it should not be the sole basis for an argument or claim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is generally understood that" functions as a discourse marker. It serves to introduce a statement as a common or widely accepted fact or belief. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"It is generally understood that" is a versatile phrase used to introduce commonly accepted knowledge or beliefs. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It's prevalent in Science, News & Media, and Formal & Business contexts, indicating a neutral to formal tone. When employing this phrase, ensure it aligns with the intended audience and context, and always provide supporting evidence when necessary. Alternatives such as "it is widely accepted that" and "it is commonly known that" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively communicate established ideas and build a strong foundation for their arguments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is broadly understood that

Indicates a general understanding across a large group.

it is widely accepted that

Emphasizes broad agreement or approval.

it is generally recognized that

Stresses the recognition or acknowledgement of something.

it is commonly known that

Focuses on the common knowledge of a fact.

it is generally believed that

Highlights a widespread belief, which may or may not be factually proven.

the consensus is that

Focuses on the agreement within a particular group.

it is a common understanding that

Highlights the understanding as being commonplace.

it's a given that

Implies something is so well-known it doesn't need stating.

it goes without saying that

Suggests a statement is so obvious it doesn't require explicit mention.

everyone knows that

Expresses a fact known to all.

FAQs

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

You can use "it is generally understood that" to introduce a concept or idea that is widely accepted. For example, "It is generally understood that regular exercise is beneficial for overall health".

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

Alternatives include "it is widely accepted that", "it is commonly known that", or "it is generally believed that". The best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "it is generally understood that" formal or informal?

"It is generally understood that" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, you might prefer a more precise or nuanced phrasing.

When should I avoid using "it is generally understood that"?

Avoid using "it is generally understood that" when introducing a controversial or contested idea. In such cases, it's better to present specific evidence and avoid implying universal agreement.