it is understood as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is understood as" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when explaining how something is interpreted or perceived in a particular context. Example: "In this context, the term 'sustainability' is understood as the ability to meet present needs without compromising future generations."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

The crisis (along with its international dignity) has to be elevated to the point where it is understood as singular and unique, so that its solution, whatever that turns out to be, is understood to have as few implications as possible for the self-conception of the countries involved.

The New Yorker

The place of worship, insofar as it is understood as the image of the universe and its centre, must be architecturally patterned according to a specific design of the universe.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The literature of nostalgia, whether kitschy or brilliant, harms no one as long as it is understood as literature.

The New York Times - Books

It is understood as a wheel with 12 spokes (ara), the equivalent of ages, six of which form an ascending arc and six a descending one.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Beethoven's quartet ceases to be cryptic when it is understood as the defiant response of a majestic mind to some unnamed trauma.

The New Yorker

In one room, an Indian woman speaks in a language that, although I do not know it, is understood as the language of isolation and loneliness.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

It's understood as soon as you hit 57th Street, everyone's flossing.

The New York Times - Style

Instead of saying that the world has certain properties, a feature-placing language just says that there are those properties, or (to express the same idea in a different way) instead of saying that the world is F, a feature-placing language just says that it Fs, where 'it' is understood as a semantically vacuous placeholder that is present for purely syntactic reasons.

SEP

It was understood as a source of power.

The New Yorker

It's understood as crucial to staying at the top of their game.

The New York Times

It was understood as a revolt from the slickness and sweetness of commercial swing.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using this phrase, ensure the context provides sufficient information about who understands it in this way. Is it a general understanding, or specific to a particular field or group?

Common error

Avoid using "it is understood as" without specifying who holds that understanding. Overgeneralizations can weaken your argument and leave the reader wondering about the basis of the claim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is understood as" functions as a passive construction used to indicate a common interpretation or generally accepted definition of a term, concept, or situation. Ludwig AI examples show it clarifying how something is perceived in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

7%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is understood as" serves as a pivotal tool for defining shared meanings and common interpretations across various disciplines. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is considered grammatically correct and usable, functioning as a passive construction that introduces a generally accepted understanding. Predominantly found in scientific, news, and encyclopedic contexts, its purpose is to establish a clear, mutual comprehension of a term or situation. While versatile, it is best practice to ensure the context clarifies who holds that particular understanding to avoid ambiguity. With a neutral to formal tone, mastering "it is understood as" enables precise and effective communication by aligning the understanding between the writer and audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is interpreted as

Replaces "understood" with "interpreted", emphasizing the act of assigning meaning.

it is perceived as

Substitutes "understood" with "perceived", focusing on sensory or intuitive recognition.

it is regarded as

Uses "regarded" instead of "understood", highlighting a more formal or considered assessment.

it is viewed as

Replaces "understood" with "viewed", emphasizing a particular perspective or angle.

it is conceived as

Uses "conceived" instead of "understood", suggesting a mental construct or idea.

it is known as

Focuses on the common or recognized name or description.

it is defined as

Emphasizes a formal or explicit definition.

it is classified as

Highlights the categorization or grouping of something.

it is characterized as

Focuses on the key attributes or features used to describe something.

it is deemed as

Replaces "understood" with "deemed", emphasizing a formal or official judgment.

FAQs

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

You can use alternatives like "it is interpreted as", "it is perceived as", or "it is regarded as" depending on the context.

How to use "it is understood as" in a sentence?

Use "it is understood as" to introduce a common interpretation or definition of a concept. For example, "In this field, the term 'sustainability' "it is understood as" the ability to meet present needs without compromising future generations."

Is it correct to say "it is understand as"?

No, the correct phrase is ""it is understood as"". "Understood" is the past participle of the verb "understand" and is required in this passive construction.

What's the difference between "it is understood as" and "it is assumed as"?

"It is understood as" implies a general or established comprehension, whereas "it is assumed as" suggests something is taken for granted without proof. The former is based on some level of agreement, while the latter is a presumption.