largely understood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'largely understood' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use the phrase to describe something that is widely accepted or believed to be true by a large number of people. For example: The political implications of the law were largely understood by the populace.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

Death in the Roman world was largely understood and often literally viewed as a spectacle.

Yale University

Would you say that critics largely understood what you were going for with this book?

The New Yorker

But that is largely understood to be a hollow threat, at least for a public company.

The New York Times

The referendum itself was bitterly fought, but voters largely understood what they were being asked and what might happen next.

The Guardian

The South Asia analytical community largely understood that it was Pakistan not Afghanistan where the most salient U.S. national security interests resided.

University of Pennsylvania

It is largely understood that the new government is probably less powerful than the shadow one that rules from the royal palace.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Today's media-savvy viewers largely understand the exaggerated and contrived aspects of "reality" TV.

The Washington Post

Patients, the professions and the public largely understand, this despite the activities of some sections of the media.

The Guardian

The master must speak not only the language of the audience but also the ancient Kawi language spoken by the characters, which the audience largely understands as well.

The New York Times

Intelligent, music-loving and eager to learn, such listeners largely understand that true talent and originality must find their own voice.

The New York Times - Arts

Dyslexia is a complex condition, but nowadays a child with dyslexia can grow up in a world that (largely) understands their needs.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "largely understood", ensure that the context provides evidence or justification for this claim to avoid making unsubstantiated generalizations.

Common error

Avoid using "largely understood" when referring to complex or nuanced topics where understanding may be limited or contested. Use more cautious language to reflect the uncertainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "largely understood" functions as an adverbial modifier qualifying the verb. It indicates the extent to which something is understood. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's suitable when describing concepts generally accepted but not necessarily with complete or universal comprehension.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

28%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "largely understood" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate that a concept or idea is generally accepted or comprehended by a significant portion of people. According to Ludwig AI, the expression is correct. Analysis of usage patterns reveals its prevalence in scientific, news, and academic contexts. While similar phrases like "generally accepted" or "widely recognized" exist, "largely understood" specifically emphasizes the comprehension aspect. When using this phrase, ensure that the context supports the claim and avoid overstating the level of understanding, especially in complex or nuanced topics. It’s important to acknowledge that while widespread, it doesn't necessarily mean complete or universal understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

largely accepted

Focuses on the acceptance aspect, indicating something is mainly agreed on.

pretty well understood

Similar in meaning, but less formal and more conversational.

broadly comprehended

Similar to "largely understood" but puts more stress on the act of comprehension.

substantially understood

Emphasizes the extent of understanding, suggesting a considerable amount.

generally accepted

Focuses more on acceptance rather than understanding, implying widespread agreement.

widely recognized

Highlights the recognition of something, suggesting it is broadly acknowledged.

mostly agreed upon

Indicates a high level of agreement, though not necessarily complete understanding.

commonly known

Emphasizes the common knowledge of a fact or concept.

well-established

Highlights the establishment and acceptance of a concept or idea over time.

fairly well known

Indicates a reasonable level of familiarity or understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "largely understood" in a sentence?

You can use "largely understood" to indicate that something is generally accepted or comprehended by a majority. For instance, "The basic principles of supply and demand are "largely understood" by economists."

What are some alternatives to "largely understood"?

Alternatives include "generally accepted", "widely recognized", or "commonly known". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "largely understood" in formal writing?

Yes, "largely understood" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in academic or professional contexts where you need to convey a sense of general agreement or comprehension without claiming universal acceptance.

What's the difference between "largely understood" and "fully understood"?

"Largely understood" suggests a general comprehension among a significant portion of people, while "fully understood" implies complete comprehension by everyone, which is often an overstatement. Use "largely understood" when complete understanding is not guaranteed.