it was generally understood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was generally understood" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate a common belief or consensus among a group of people regarding a particular idea or situation. Example: "In the community, it was generally understood that the event would take place annually, fostering a sense of tradition among the residents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

It was generally understood that if a nation slaughtered people within its own borders, neighboring countries would not intervene.

The New York Times

Foreign officials working on the elections said it was generally understood that they would be held in mid-October.

The New York Times

"It was generally understood between us as a result of the way our working relationship had evolved".

The Guardian

Until the 1990's, it was generally understood that the Internal Revenue Service regulations required public charities to advise donors of community needs.

The New York Times

It was generally understood at the time that Sandusky was not going to replace Paterno as head coach, and Paterno told Sandusky as much in a meeting.

The New York Times - Sports

In the first place, until recently, it was generally understood that it took months, at the very least, for the full impact of interest-rate cuts to filter into the real economy.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

It is generally understood that the 1611 Bible owes its greatest debt to William Tyndale.

The Guardian - Books

Both AT&T and Verizon deflected any talk of financial upsides of this whole SMS arrangement, but it's generally understood that roughly one-third to half of the revenue generated by third-party providers goes to carriers.

The New York Times

It is generally understood that players on a contract drive will pad their own statistics first.

The New York Times

"It's generally understood that falling in love means committing to commitment," she writes.

The New Yorker

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was generally understood" to establish a shared context or background knowledge before introducing a new idea or development.

Common error

Avoid using "it was generally understood" excessively, as it can lead to a passive voice and weaken your writing. Opt for more direct phrasing where appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was generally understood" functions as a sentence opener or clause introducer. According to Ludwig AI, it serves to establish a shared understanding or common ground between the writer and the audience. It sets the stage for subsequent information by referencing a pre-existing agreement or assumption.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

29%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was generally understood" is a versatile and frequently used expression to introduce shared knowledge or common assumptions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific writing. While it's a valuable tool for establishing context, it's important to avoid overuse and consider more direct phrasing when appropriate. Related phrases like "it was widely accepted" and "it was commonly believed" offer similar meanings with subtle differences in emphasis. By understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate usage, writers can effectively employ this phrase to enhance clarity and connection with their audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was widely accepted

Emphasizes broad acceptance rather than just understanding.

it was commonly believed

Focuses on a shared belief, implying a degree of certainty.

it was a widespread assumption

Highlights the presumptive nature of the understanding.

it was the prevailing view

Indicates the dominant opinion or perspective.

it was the established consensus

Implies a formal or long-standing agreement.

it was tacitly agreed

Suggests an unspoken agreement or understanding.

it was a foregone conclusion

Highlights the inevitability or predictability of the outcome.

it was taken for granted

Emphasizes that the understanding was assumed without question.

it was deemed obvious

Focuses on the apparent or self-evident nature of the understanding.

it was a given

Indicates that the understanding was a foundational assumption.

FAQs

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

You can use "it was generally understood" to indicate a common agreement or belief. For example, "It was generally understood that the project would be completed by the end of the year".

What are some alternatives to "it was generally understood"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it was widely accepted", "it was commonly believed", or "it was a widespread assumption".

Is there a difference between "it was generally understood" and "it was widely known"?

"It was generally understood" implies a shared comprehension, whereas "it was widely known" suggests broad awareness. The former focuses on understanding, while the latter focuses on knowledge.

Is "it was generally understood" formal or informal?

"It was generally understood" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, offering a neutral tone. However, in highly formal writing, you might prefer "it was the established consensus".