properly understood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "properly understood" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the clarity or comprehension of a concept, idea, or statement. Example: "The theory is complex, but once it is properly understood, its implications become clear."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

My historical period, properly understood, includes yours.

The New Yorker

Every life, properly understood, is compelling.

The New York Times - Books

Do you think widowhood is properly understood?

The New York Times - Magazine

"He basically said that I properly understood his strategic thinking".

The New York Times - Arts

Yet, properly understood, motherhood is no motherhood issue.

The New York Times - Books

Quite what happened next may never be properly understood.

The Guardian

The Wilson doctrine, properly understood, remains both relevant and robust.

The Guardian - Opinion

The spirit of conservatism, properly understood, is inhospitable to fanaticism.

The New Yorker

I've never properly understood why Mum and Dad split up.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Properly understood, that flag should never have caused embarrassment.

The Economist

Powder flow of mixtures is complex and not properly understood.

International Journal of Pharmaceutics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "properly understood", consider providing context or examples to aid comprehension, especially when dealing with abstract or nuanced subjects.

Common error

Avoid using "properly understood" as a mere filler phrase. Ensure it adds value by highlighting a specific interpretation or correcting a potential misunderstanding. Use it only when clarity is crucial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "properly understood" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause to specify the condition under which something is correctly or accurately interpreted. Ludwig AI confirms its usage across diverse contexts, indicating its role in clarifying intended meanings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

27%

Science & Research

14%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "properly understood" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to ensure accurate interpretation across various contexts. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its prevalence in news, scientific, and academic domains. While grammatically correct and widely accepted, it should be used judiciously to avoid redundancy. Related phrases like ""correctly interpreted"" and ""accurately grasped"" offer nuanced alternatives. By understanding its function and purpose, writers can effectively employ "properly understood" to enhance clarity and precision in their communication. Ludwig's examples demonstrate that "properly understood" it is a common and effective way to introduce a specific or refined interpretation of a concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

correctly interpreted

Focuses on the accuracy of the interpretation, emphasizing the correctness of understanding.

accurately grasped

Highlights the act of comprehending something precisely and without error.

rightly perceived

Emphasizes the correctness of the perception, suggesting a valid and accurate understanding.

appropriately comprehended

Stresses that the understanding is suitable and fitting for the context.

suitably appreciated

Focuses on the depth of understanding and the value attributed to something.

effectively conceptualized

Highlights the ability to form a clear and practical idea or concept.

fully appreciated

Emphasizes a complete and thorough understanding of something.

clearly appreciated

Emphasizes the ease and clarity with which something is understood.

soundly interpreted

Suggests a reliable and well-reasoned interpretation.

justly apprehended

Implies a fair and accurate grasp of something, especially in a legal or ethical context.

FAQs

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

Use "properly understood" to emphasize a correct or specific interpretation of a concept. For example, "Freedom, "properly understood", is not the absence of rules, but the presence of just ones."

What are some alternatives to "properly understood"?

Alternatives include "correctly interpreted", "accurately grasped", or "rightly perceived", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

What does it mean for something to be "properly understood"?

When something is ""properly understood"", it means it is grasped accurately, with all its implications and nuances correctly interpreted.

Is it always necessary to clarify when something should be "properly understood"?

No, only clarify when there's a risk of misinterpretation or when you want to emphasize a particular perspective. Otherwise, overusing ""properly understood"" can make your writing sound pedantic.