it was understood

USAGE SUMMARY

"it was understood" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when something is accepted as a fact or implied without it needing to be explicitly stated. For example, "The rules of the game were explained and it was understood that everyone would follow them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Cervical cancer was not commonly recognized, though it was understood generally in terms of its symptoms.

BMC Public Health

It was understood.

The New York Times

"I thought it was understood".

The New York Times - Arts

Nothing was said, but it was understood".

The Guardian - Books

The alternative, it was understood, was removal by the military.

The New Yorker

It was understood as a source of power.

The New Yorker

It was understood that the hospitality would not be returned.

The New Yorker

It was understood that there was something charming about me.

The New Yorker

But it was understood that there was more to come.

The New York Times - Arts

Still, it was understood that the focus should be on essentials, not long-term projects.

The New York Times - Sports

It was understood a burst tire was responsible for the crash.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was understood" to convey a sense of shared, often unspoken, agreement or knowledge. This phrase works best when the understanding is implicit from the context and doesn't need explicit declaration.

Common error

Avoid using "it was understood" excessively in formal or academic writing where explicit statements and evidence are preferred. Replace it with more direct statements to maintain clarity and rigor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was understood" functions as a passive construction, indicating a state of shared agreement, tacit knowledge, or an implicit assumption. Ludwig AI confirms this, highlighting its common usage in conveying something accepted without needing explicit declaration.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was understood" is a versatile and commonly used expression to denote shared agreement or tacit knowledge. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, predominantly in news, media, and scientific writing. While versatile, it's essential to use the phrase judiciously in formal writing, favoring more explicit language for clarity. Alternatives such as "it was agreed" or "it was assumed" can provide nuanced meanings depending on the specific context. By understanding the nuances of the phrase, writers can effectively communicate implicit understandings while avoiding common pitfalls.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was tacitly accepted

Focuses on the silent nature of the agreement, whereas the query is broader in the way the understanding was built.

it was agreed

Emphasizes a more explicit agreement, whereas the original phrase can imply a less formal understanding.

it was generally accepted

It emphasizes broader acceptance, which is a subtle change with respect to a tacit agreement between two parties.

it was implied

Focuses on the indirect suggestion of something, rather than direct acknowledgement.

it was assumed

Highlights a presumption rather than a mutual understanding, which can sometimes be unfounded.

it was clear

Emphasizes clarity and lack of ambiguity, while the original phrase suggests implicit agreement.

it was known

Highlights the state of being known, whereas the query suggests acceptance.

it was taken for granted

Indicates that something was accepted without question, which can sometimes lead to oversight.

it was self-evident

Suggests the information was obviously true, potentially eliminating the need for explicit understanding.

it was a given

Indicates something was predetermined or certain, affecting the level of understanding.

FAQs

How do I use "it was understood" in a sentence?

Use "it was understood" to indicate a shared agreement or tacit knowledge without needing explicit communication. For example, "After the meeting, "it was understood" that everyone would contribute to the project".

What can I say instead of "it was understood"?

You can use alternatives like "it was agreed", "it was assumed", or "it was implied" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "it was understood" or "it is understood"?

The choice between "it was understood" and "it is understood" depends on the timeframe. "It was understood" refers to a past understanding, while "it is understood" indicates a current understanding. Choose the tense that correctly reflects the time frame of the understanding.

What is the difference between "it was understood" and "it was known"?

"It was understood" implies a shared agreement or tacit knowledge, while "it was known" simply means something was a recognized fact. For example, "it was known" that the project was delayed, but "it was understood" that everyone would still contribute.