it was not understood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was not understood" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that was unclear or not comprehended by someone. Example: "Despite the detailed explanation, it was not understood by the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

While potash has been used since ancient times, it was not understood for most of its history to be a fundamentally different substance from sodium mineral salts.

Wikipedia

Specifically, it was not understood that the stream channel system and its connection to Newport Bay were completely artificial and that the eroding channel system was supplying more than half of the sediment moving into the bay.

Journal of Historical Geography

Maybe it was not understood then that my mother wouldn't get any better, only worse.

The New Yorker

However, since it was not understood how the catalysts worked at a molecular level, the hunt for better catalysts was purely a hit-and-miss endeavour.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"But it is conceivable that because it was an external activity it was not understood as a potential conflict until now, when that is being raised".

The New York Times

At first it was not understood that Malik was objecting to the juror, but after Jones made submissions effectively on the defendant's behalf, the recorder stopped the case and ordered a retrial.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 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's not understood where the bottom will be".

The Guardian

He said he believes it's "because it's not understood".

The Guardian - Film

It's not understood, but people have to talk about it, explore their feelings, as hard as it is.

Independent

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

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was not understood", ensure the context clearly identifies what "it" refers to, avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid overuse of passive constructions like "it was not understood" when an active voice would provide clearer and more direct communication. For example, instead of "It was not understood by the team", consider "The team did not understand it."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was not understood" functions as a passive construction, indicating a lack of comprehension or a failure to grasp a concept. As evidenced by Ludwig, this construction is commonly used across a variety of source types.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

34%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was not understood" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive construction to indicate a lack of comprehension or clarity. Ludwig AI confirms its applicability across diverse sources, from scientific publications to news articles. While versatile, ensuring clear context and considering active voice alternatives can enhance writing. Rephrasing options include "it wasn't clear" or "it wasn't comprehended". By understanding its function and potential pitfalls, writers can effectively use "it was not understood" to convey meaning precisely.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it wasn't clear

This alternative replaces "understood" with "clear", focusing on the lack of clarity.

it wasn't comprehended

This alternative substitutes "understood" with "comprehended", using a more formal synonym.

it remained unclear

This phrase highlights the persistence of a lack of clarity.

it wasn't grasped

This alternative uses a more informal word, 'grasped', for 'understood'.

it wasn't appreciated

This phrase suggests a lack of recognition of the importance or implications of something.

the implications were missed

This alternative highlights that the consequences or ramifications were not seen or apprehended.

the point was lost

This phrase suggests a failure in communicating the central idea effectively.

there was a misunderstanding

This option indicates a failure to understand correctly.

it was misinterpreted

This phrase indicates that something was understood incorrectly.

it was beyond comprehension

This option emphasizes the extreme difficulty or impossibility of understanding.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it was not understood" to sound more active?

Consider using phrases like "they didn't understand it", "no one understood it", or "it remained unclear to everyone". The active voice often creates a more direct and engaging statement.

What's a more formal alternative to "it was not understood"?

In formal contexts, you might use phrases such as "it was not comprehended", "it remained unclarified", or "the implications were not fully appreciated".

How does "it was not understood" differ from "it was misunderstood"?

"It was not understood" simply means something wasn't grasped. "It was misunderstood" implies that something was understood incorrectly.

Is "it was not understood" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it was not understood" is grammatically sound. It's a passive construction indicating a lack of comprehension.