it is now understood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is now understood" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that a concept, fact, or situation has been clarified or accepted after some time or discussion. Example: "After extensive research and discussion, it is now understood that climate change is significantly influenced by human activities."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I do not fear HIV as it is now understood.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As fresh evidence has emerged, it is now understood that this was not the case.

The Guardian

"It is now understood that you have no intention of effecting your departure by that date.

The New Yorker

It is now understood that the capacity of short-term memory depends on several factors, including age, attention and the type of information presented.

The New York Times - Science

Yet the soft alluvial sediment of Tokyo's low-lying areas, it is now understood, is vulnerable to liquefaction, in which violent movement turns the soil to quicksand.

The Economist

It is now understood that Spurs will listen to offers for the player, with former club Schalke thought to be favourites for his signature.

Independent

Rape was long considered to be caused by unbridled sexual desire, but it is now understood as a pathological assertion of power over a victim.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is now understood to have far wider effects, leading to characteristic patterns of temperature, rainfall and drought around much of the world.

The Economist

This uncertainty persisted for a century thereafter, but it is now understood that the two groups share unique features that indeed make the Dinosauria a natural group.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Instead of being simply the fuel we put in our mouths, it is now understood as our culture's – all cultures' – connective tissue.

The Guardian - Books

"And it is now understood in South America that the regional card to play is one that is led from Brasilia".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is now understood" to clearly indicate a shift in understanding or a newly established consensus, especially when contrasting with previous beliefs or knowledge.

Common error

While "it is now understood" is grammatically sound, overuse of passive voice can make your writing seem less direct. Consider rephrasing for a more active and engaging tone where appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is now understood" serves as an introductory clause to indicate a current state of knowledge or consensus, especially when contrasting with previous beliefs. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's a way to introduce information that has been clarified or accepted over time.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

39%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is now understood" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to introduce a concept or fact that has gained acceptance or clarity over time. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is suitable for formal, neutral, and scientific contexts and is frequently found in science, news, and encyclopedic sources. When writing, use this phrase to indicate a shift in understanding or to introduce a newly established consensus, contrasting it with previous beliefs. Be mindful of overusing passive voice and consider rephrasing for a more active and engaging tone. Alternatives such as "it is now recognized" or "it is now known" can be used to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is now recognized

Replaces "understood" with "recognized", emphasizing acknowledgement rather than comprehension.

it is now acknowledged

Substitutes "understood" with "acknowledged", focusing on the acceptance of something as true or valid.

it is now known

Uses "known" instead of "understood", highlighting the factual nature of the information.

it is now realized

Replaces "understood" with "realized", suggesting a dawning awareness or comprehension.

it is presently understood

Adds "presently" to emphasize that the understanding is current.

it is currently understood

Similar to "presently understood", stressing the contemporary nature of the understanding.

it is already understood

Implies the understanding is not new, but has been in place for some time.

it is generally accepted

Focuses on the widespread agreement regarding a particular idea.

it is commonly believed

Highlights the popular acceptance of a concept, though not necessarily its factual basis.

the consensus is now

Shifts the focus to the collective agreement or opinion on a topic.

FAQs

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

Use "it is now understood" to introduce a concept or fact that has been clarified or accepted after a period of time. For example: "After years of research, "it is now understood" that climate change is significantly influenced by human activities."

What can I say instead of "it is now understood"?

You can use alternatives like "it is now recognized", "it is now acknowledged", or "it is now known" depending on the context.

Is "it is now understood" formal or informal?

"It is now understood" is suitable for formal and neutral contexts. In very informal situations, you might opt for simpler phrasing like "we know now".

What's the difference between "it is now understood" and "it was previously thought"?

"It is now understood" indicates a current state of knowledge or agreement, while "it was previously thought" highlights a past belief that has since been revised or disproven. The former emphasizes current understanding, the latter emphasizes a change in perspective.