they understood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they understood" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to indicate that a group of people comprehended something. Example: "After the explanation, they understood the concept clearly." Alternative expressions include "they grasped" and "they comprehended."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"They understood".

The New York Times

They understood the tension".

The New York Times

They understood her.

The New York Times

They understood the potential".

The New York Times - Magazine

But they understood.

The New York Times

They understood my humour.

Independent

They understood Kravchuk perfectly".

The New Yorker

In particular, they understood radio.

The New Yorker

Both men said they understood.

The New York Times

"They understood it.

The New York Times - Sports

They understood that.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they understood" when you want to convey that a group of people comprehended a specific concept, situation, or message. Ensure the context clearly defines who "they" refers to and what they understood.

Common error

Avoid using "they understood" without clearly specifying what was understood. Ambiguity can arise if the object of understanding is not explicit in the sentence or surrounding context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they understood" functions as a declarative statement indicating that a group of individuals achieved comprehension of something. Ludwig examples confirm this usage, showing the phrase in contexts where understanding, realization, or awareness is being conveyed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Reference

0.5%

Encyclopedias

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they understood" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that indicates comprehension by a group of individuals. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across various contexts, especially in News & Media. The phrase is generally neutral in register and serves to communicate that a specific understanding has been achieved. When using the phrase, ensure that the subject of understanding is clear to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "they comprehended" or "they grasped" can be used to add nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they comprehended

Emphasizes a thorough understanding, often implying intellectual grasp.

they grasped

Highlights a quick or intuitive understanding of something.

they realized

Focuses on becoming aware or conscious of something, often after a period of unawareness.

they perceived

Implies understanding through sensory input or intuition.

they recognized

Stresses the ability to identify or acknowledge something.

they were aware

Indicates a general knowledge or consciousness of a fact or situation.

they got the message

Suggests understanding a subtle or indirect communication.

they took it in

Indicates that they absorbed and understood information.

they were cognisant

A more formal synonym for 'aware', implying a considered understanding.

it clicked for them

Implies a sudden moment of understanding or realization.

FAQs

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

Use "they understood" to indicate that a group of people comprehended something. For example: "After the detailed explanation, "they understood" the complexities of the project".

What are some alternatives to "they understood"?

You can use alternatives such as "they comprehended", "they grasped", or "they realized", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "they understanded" instead of "they understood"?

No, "they understanded" is grammatically incorrect. The correct past tense form of "understand" is "understood". Always use ""they understood"".

What's the difference between "they understood" and "they were understanding"?

"They understood" indicates a completed action of comprehension, while "they were understanding" suggests an ongoing process of trying to understand something. For instance, ""they understood" the instructions" means they fully grasped them. "They were understanding the instructions" implies they were in the process of grasping them.