not much understood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not much understood" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not widely comprehended or is difficult to grasp. Example: "The concept of quantum mechanics is often complex and not much understood by the general public."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Exact role of surfactant in facilitating other systems as biocontrol agents is yet not much understood and warrants investigations.

Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

What is important about training is mental intensity, something people do not much understand.

The Guardian - Sport

Add wake-promoters (the new category, distinct from, and in part replacing, the old armory of stimulants) and that's a lot of money expended on sleep-related desires, frustrations and ailments that aren't much understood.

The New York Times - Books

I don't much understand the appeal of comments for readers either.

The Guardian - Opinion

Despite this, not much is understood at a molecular level as to how Salmonella interacts with the host to cause disease.

Clinical and Translational Gastroenterology

One doesn't so much understand the events onstage as feel them.

The New York Times - Arts

"At the end," Tézenas told me, these sites "leave the individual with not much to understand history".

The New Yorker

Perhaps that's because, if you take Feinstein's view of it, there is not much to understand.

The New York Times - Books

What makes the disease the worst of all is no specific effective treatment available, its dynamics is not much researched and understood.

Advances in Difference Equations

There is not much effort to understand why that is.

The Guardian

Sometimes, the trade-offs are not intended, and not understood until much later.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not much understood", consider the context. In formal writing, "not well understood" might be a preferable alternative. Ensure the subject of the phrase is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "not much understood" can sound slightly awkward in very informal settings. Opt for simpler alternatives like "not really known" or "not that clear" for better flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not much understood" functions as a descriptive element, typically modifying a noun or noun phrase to indicate a lack of comprehensive knowledge or clear understanding. Ludwig provides examples showcasing its usage in various contexts, affirming its validity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not much understood" is a grammatically correct and widely applicable way to express a lack of comprehensive knowledge about a subject. According to Ludwig AI, it's most frequently encountered in scientific and news contexts, indicating its suitability for both technical and general audiences. While versatile, consider using alternatives like "not well understood" for formal settings, and simpler phrases in informal conversations. Remember to clearly define the subject of the phrase to avoid ambiguity. When writing, keep in mind that certain audiences or contexts may respond better to alternatives. The key is that while it's usable, the alternatives may be more adequate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

poorly understood

Emphasizes the inadequacy of understanding rather than the quantity.

not well understood

A more common and slightly more formal alternative.

largely unknown

Focuses on the absence of knowledge rather than the degree of understanding.

not widely known

Highlights the lack of general awareness or familiarity.

remains unclear

Suggests that the subject is unresolved or uncertain.

poorly researched

Indicates a lack of investigation or study.

scarcely comprehended

Emphasizes the difficulty in grasping or understanding the subject.

insufficiently explored

Focuses on the lack of thorough investigation or analysis.

vaguely understood

Implies a superficial or incomplete understanding.

not deeply explored

Emphasizes the absence of in-depth investigation or analysis.

FAQs

What is a more formal alternative to "not much understood"?

A more formal alternative to "not much understood" is "not well understood". This option is suitable for academic and professional writing.

How can I use "not much understood" in a sentence?

You can use "not much understood" to describe a concept or phenomenon that lacks comprehensive understanding. For example: "The exact role of surfactant in facilitating other systems as biocontrol agents is yet "not much understood" and warrants investigations."

What does "not much understood" imply?

The phrase "not much understood" implies that there is a limited comprehension or knowledge about a particular subject or topic.

Are there any synonyms for "not much understood"?

Yes, synonyms include "poorly understood", "largely unknown", or "remains unclear", each carrying slightly different nuances.