read and understood

USAGE SUMMARY

"read and understood" is a correct phrase that can be used in written English.
It is often used at the end of a sentence or in a signature to indicate that the person has read and understood the information presented. Example: "By signing this contract, I acknowledge that I have read and understood all the terms and conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I have read and understood this agreement.

Stanford University

And Welles read and understood and accepted the challenge.

The New York Times

Within minutes, both said it had been read and understood.

The New York Times - Magazine

They are physical contests whose meanings can be "read" and understood by everyone.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mr. Olmert acknowledged that he had read and understood the indictment.

The New York Times

This extraordinarily accomplished piece of storytelling can be read and understood on many different levels.

The Guardian

The built is like a text: it can be read and understood or only read, without making it one's own;.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

Now that you've read and understood, please frame these documents and hang them on the wall of my study.

The New Yorker

For most meetings, you want presentations that have enough detail to be read and understood in advance.

Harvard Business Review

Most of the feminism theory I have read and understood has been self-sought and self-taught.

The Guardian - Opinion

And Westrop tells editorial executives that they should "ensure" that all their editorial staff have read and understood his guidelines.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "read and understood" in legal or formal documents, ensure it's followed by a clear statement of agreement or consent to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "read and understood" as a standalone statement without providing clear context about what was read and understood. Always specify the document, policy, or information to which it refers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "read and understood" functions as a confirmation of comprehension. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is often used to signify that someone has not only read something but has also grasped its meaning and implications. Examples from various sources demonstrate its use in contracts, agreements, and policy acknowledgements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "read and understood" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to confirm comprehension, particularly in formal or professional settings. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage. Its function is to ensure clarity, agreement, and accountability. As seen in the provided examples, the phrase frequently appears in contexts such as legal documents, scientific papers, and news articles. While alternatives like ""fully comprehended"" or ""clearly understood"" exist, "read and understood" maintains its place as a direct and reliable way to acknowledge both the act of reading and the attainment of understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clearly understood

This alternative emphasizes the clarity of the understanding.

fully comprehended

This alternative uses a more formal vocabulary to convey complete understanding.

have a good understanding

This phrase focuses on possessing a solid comprehension of the information.

thoroughly grasped

This alternative highlights the depth of understanding achieved.

duly noted and understood

This alternative adds a formal tone and acknowledges the importance of the information.

completely aware

This option focuses on acknowledging and understanding the information presented.

internalized the information

This emphasizes that the information has been fully integrated and understood.

fully cognizant

A more formal synonym emphasizing full awareness and understanding.

read and acknowledged

While similar, this puts more focus on the act of acknowledging the content rather than necessarily understanding it.

gained a clear picture

This option suggests a mental image or clear conceptualization was formed.

FAQs

How do I use "read and understood" in a sentence?

You can use "read and understood" to confirm comprehension after reading something, as in, "After reviewing the contract, I signed to indicate that I had "read and understood" its terms."

What is a formal alternative to "read and understood"?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "fully comprehended" or "clearly understood", which convey a similar meaning with a more sophisticated vocabulary.

Is it necessary to state "read and understood" after reading a document?

While not always mandatory, stating "read and understood" is a common practice to ensure clarity and confirmation, especially in legal, policy, or consent-related contexts.

What's the difference between "read and understood" and "read and acknowledged"?

"Read and understood" implies comprehension of the material, while "read and acknowledged" simply means you've seen it, without necessarily grasping its full meaning. Understanding goes beyond simple acknowledgement.