it is not understood

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "it is not understood" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to express that something is not comprehended or comprehendible. For example: "The instructor's explanation of the concept was so complex that it is not understood by any of the students."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is not understood in all its appalling intricacy, but some understanding is in our grasp, and we may trust our own powers to obtain more.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

It is not understood how OGT recognises its sugar nucleotide donor and performs O-GlcNAc transfer onto proteins/peptides, and how the enzyme recognises specific cellular protein substrates.

EMBO Journal

Several lines of evidence suggest that the amount of EAAs released varies with host demand but it is not understood how the host communicates its nutritional demand to B. aphidicola.

BMC Systems Biology

So far, it is not understood why this is happening.

The Guardian

It is not understood why some individuals are susceptible to this condition and others are not.

International Immunopharmacology

The anisotropy is a few tenths of a percent, but it is not understood.

Britannica

It is not understood how collagen VI is arranged into microfibrils or how these microfibrils are arranged into tissues.

Acta Biomaterialia

Similarly, an argument that is ineffective because it is not understood can become relevant once the audience is better informed.

Britannica

He believes that American opposition is based on unfounded fears: "It is not understood in the US.

The Guardian

Although structural and regulatory components required for biofilm formation are known, it is not understood how these essential constituents promote biofilm surface morphology.

Princeton University

Emerging evidence suggests the same cues control dendrite development, but it is not understood how they differentially instruct axons and dendrites.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is not understood", be specific about what aspect is unclear. For instance, instead of just saying "the process is not understood", specify "the mechanism of this reaction is not understood".

Common error

Avoid using "it is not understood" as a placeholder for a more detailed explanation of the gap in knowledge. Instead, delve into the specific reasons why understanding is lacking.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is not understood" functions as a statement expressing a lack of comprehension or knowledge about a particular subject. As indicated by Ludwig, it highlights areas where understanding is absent, signaling the need for further investigation or clarification.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

75%

News & Media

10%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is not understood" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate a lack of comprehension or knowledge. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage. While versatile, it's most frequently found in scientific and academic contexts to highlight areas requiring further research. For clearer and more impactful writing, specify the exact aspect that lacks understanding and avoid overgeneralization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it remains unknown

Focuses on the lack of knowledge or information about a subject.

it is not clear

Emphasizes the absence of clarity or certainty.

it is not known

Highlights the lack of awareness or established information.

the reasons are unclear

Specifies that the causes or explanations are not well-defined.

the mechanism is obscure

Indicates that the process or system is not readily apparent or easily understood.

it defies explanation

Suggests that something is so perplexing that it cannot be easily explained.

the details are vague

Points out that the particulars are not well-defined or precise.

the full picture is missing

Emphasizes that the complete understanding is not yet available.

it is still a mystery

Highlights that something remains an enigma or unresolved puzzle.

the solution is elusive

Suggests that finding a resolution or answer is difficult and hard to achieve.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it is not understood" in formal writing?

In formal writing, you can use alternatives such as "it remains unknown", "it is not clear", or "it is not known" to maintain a professional tone.

What's a simpler way to say "it is not understood"?

For simpler language, consider using phrases like "we don't know", "we can't explain", or "it's a mystery".

Is it grammatically correct to say "it is not understand"?

No, "it is not understand" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "it is not understood", using the past participle of the verb 'understand'.

When should I use "it is not understood" versus "it is misunderstood"?

"It is not understood" means something lacks comprehension, while "it is misunderstood" implies something is incorrectly interpreted. Use "it is not understood" when knowledge is simply absent, and "it is misunderstood" when an incorrect interpretation exists.