so understood

USAGE SUMMARY

"so understood" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize and clarify understanding between two parties. For example, "I understand that you need the report by Friday, and that is so understood."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So understood, selfishness is a fundamental virtue.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Evidently all parties so understood at the time.

Cornell University

Mercy so understood comes at the cost of doing justice.

Cornell University

There is ample testimony that her audience so understood the remarks.

Cornell University

The entrymen so understood, and resorted to severe measures to keep coal prospectors off the lands.

Cornell University

Culture so understood is a social fact about particular sets of human beings in historical context.

Harvard University

I'd watched her perform the role on video, so understood what she wanted.

The Guardian

"She so understood this character," she said of "Maid in Manhattan".

The New York Times

For a living composer it is the most beautiful thing to be so understood by an interpreter.

The New Yorker

I am a poorer and less relevant version of my former self, but never have I felt so understood.

The New Yorker

The court itself so understood the effect of the amendment, for after its adoption Attorney General Lee, in the case of Hollingsworth v. Virginia, (3 Dall.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "so understood" to ensure clarity and prevent misinterpretations when referring back to a previously defined concept or agreement. This is especially useful in legal, academic, and formal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "so understood" in casual conversations or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Simpler alternatives like "got it" or "understood" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

So understood functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate a shared or previously established understanding. It clarifies that a statement or concept is based on a particular interpretation. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Academia

40%

Science

30%

News & Media

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "so understood" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to emphasize a shared or previously defined understanding. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its validity and usage across diverse contexts, particularly in academic, scientific, and formal writing. While effective for clarity, it should be used judiciously to avoid sounding overly formal. Alternatives like "as interpreted" or "in this context" can be used in less formal settings. Understanding its proper context helps writers communicate with precision and avoid misinterpretations. Overall it is an uncommon phrase to use in daily conversations, and it is recommended to limit it to the contexts already explained.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in this context

Indicates that the meaning or relevance of something is specific to a particular situation or setting.

given this understanding

Emphasizes that a statement or conclusion is based on a particular comprehension of something.

in this sense

Highlights a specific meaning or application of a term or concept within a particular context.

on that basis

Indicates that a conclusion or action is based on a previously established understanding or agreement.

from this perspective

Highlights that a statement or opinion is based on a particular point of view or set of assumptions.

under these terms

Specifies that an agreement or understanding is subject to certain conditions or definitions.

as interpreted

Focuses on the act of interpreting something, implying a specific understanding derived from analysis.

in that light

Indicates that something should be considered or evaluated from a specific perspective or viewpoint.

with that in mind

Suggests that a particular idea or concept should be remembered and considered during further discussion or action.

that being the case

Implies that a particular situation or understanding has been established, and further statements or actions are based on it.

FAQs

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

You can use "so understood" to refer back to a previously established definition or agreement, such as: "The terms of the contract are binding, and the obligations are "clearly defined", so understood."

What's a simpler alternative to "so understood"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "as such", "therefore", or simply "understood" as alternatives to "so understood".

When is it appropriate to use "so understood"?

"So understood" is most appropriate in formal writing, legal documents, and academic papers where precision and clarity are essential. It's less suitable for informal conversation.

Is "so understood" the same as "it is understood"?

While similar, "so understood" typically refers back to a specific prior definition or agreement, whereas "it is understood" can be a more general statement of common knowledge or assumption.