it is understood to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is understood to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating a common assumption or belief about a situation or statement. Example: "In this context, it is understood to mean that all participants must adhere to the guidelines provided."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In its widest interpretation it is understood to deal with every kind of synchronic variation in language other than what can be ascribed to differences of regional dialect.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is understood to have sweetened its €22.6bn offer in order to clinch the deal.

The Guardian - Business

It is understood to be looking for a potential buyer.

The Guardian - Business

It is understood to have been developed through intercepts.

The Guardian

The CPS declined to name the man, although it is understood to be the shamed entertainer.

Independent

Twitter refused to comment, but it is understood to be aware of the development.

The Guardian

Like Constantin, it claims that the F1 stake was undervalued and it is understood to want $400m in damages.

Independent

The letter doesn't reveal which company is trying to poach staff but it is understood to be Oddbins.

The Guardian - Business

No details of the settlement were given, but it is understood to be in excess of £100,000.

The Guardian

But it is understood to be former 10,000m world record-holder Dave Bedford, who is the race director.

The Guardian - Sport

It is understood to have written again to both sides last week, ordering them to stop the public sniping.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is understood to" when you want to convey that something is a generally accepted fact or assumption, without necessarily attributing the understanding to a specific source. This is particularly useful in news reporting or academic writing where neutrality is important.

Common error

Avoid using "it is understood to" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "people think" or "everyone knows".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is understood to" functions as a grammatical construction indicating a generally accepted fact, assumption, or belief. Ludwig AI confirms this through its analysis, showing the phrase is commonly used across various contexts to express a shared understanding without attributing it to a specific source. It serves to present information as something already acknowledged or known.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

17%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is understood to" is a widely used phrase for indicating a generally accepted fact or assumption. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalence in news, encyclopedias, and scientific writing. While versatile, it is best used in neutral or professional contexts. Remember to consider the specific nuance you wish to convey when using this phrase, and be mindful of its potential formality in casual settings. Using alternatives like "people think" or "everyone knows" will help to avoid overuse in more casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is assumed that

This alternative directly replaces "understood" with "assumed", indicating a supposition rather than a firm comprehension.

it is believed that

Substitutes "understood" with "believed", suggesting a conviction or faith rather than established knowledge.

it is generally accepted that

Emphasizes the widespread agreement or consensus surrounding the understanding.

it is commonly known that

Highlights the common knowledge or familiarity of the information.

it is recognized that

Focuses on the acknowledgement or awareness of something.

it is thought that

Presents the understanding as a thought or opinion, potentially less firm than an established fact.

it is presumed that

Indicates a presumption or assumption made in the absence of concrete evidence.

it is interpreted as

Highlights the act of interpreting something in a specific way.

it is inferred that

Suggests that the understanding is derived from reasoning or deduction.

people understand that

Shifts the focus to the people's understanding, rather than an impersonal 'it'.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it is understood to" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "it is generally accepted that", "it is widely recognized that", or "it is presumed that", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What are some less formal alternatives to "it is understood to"?

In less formal contexts, you can use alternatives like "people think", "everyone knows", or "it's known that" to express a similar idea without sounding overly formal.

Is "it is understood to be" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it is understood to be" is grammatically correct. The "to be" construction is often used when describing a state or condition that is understood or assumed. For example: "It is understood to be a challenging task".

How does "it is understood to" differ from "it is believed that"?

While both phrases indicate something is accepted as true, "it is understood to" suggests a general comprehension or acceptance, whereas "it is believed that" implies a stronger sense of conviction or faith. The former is often used when referring to facts, while the latter is used in case of convictions or assumptions.