they were understood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were understood" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that a group of people or things were comprehended or grasped by someone. Example: "Despite the complexity of their ideas, they were understood by the audience during the presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

These cartoonists, as diverse as they were, understood.

The New Yorker

Rather, they must be interpreted to mean what they were understood to mean when the people ratified them.

Cornell University

In many cases, they were understood as necessary for generating public and congressional support, but not taken seriously by the key decision makers.

Harvard University

The construction of spatial and temporal separations (i.e. distance) and how they were understood and managed had profound effects on management control.

Accounting, Organizations and Society

Gorsuch is an originalist, like Scalia, meaning he attempts to interpret the words of the Constitution as they were understood at the time they were written.

The Washington Post

The reports of American Special Forces raids in Afghanistan did not inspire any immediate fury, because they were understood as unlikely to add to civilian deaths.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

It's because they are understood, included and loved.

The Guardian

Should they be understood together or treated separately?

Harvard University

It's because they are understood, included and loved..

The Guardian

It's important that they be understood to be equal branches of government".

The Guardian

The works are echt minimalist in that they are understood almost before they are seen.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they were understood", ensure the context clearly defines who "they" refers to, preventing ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "they were understood" without a clear antecedent for "they". Always ensure the subject is explicitly defined or easily inferred from the surrounding text.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were understood" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a group or set of items was the recipient of understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they were understood" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate comprehension of a subject. As Ludwig AI points out, this expression is correct and usable in written English. It appears frequently across news, academic, and scientific contexts, making it a versatile choice for various writing styles. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by explicitly defining the subject "they" refers to, avoiding any potential ambiguity. Alternatives such as "they were comprehended" or "they were grasped" can be used to add nuance or formality depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were comprehended

Replaces "understood" with a more formal synonym, "comprehended".

they were grasped

Uses "grasped" to indicate a firm understanding, implying a deeper level of comprehension.

they were recognized

Emphasizes acknowledgement or acceptance of something.

they were perceived

Shifts the focus to how something was viewed or interpreted by others.

they were acknowledged

Similar to "recognized", but often implies a formal or official acceptance.

they were known

Indicates a general awareness or familiarity with the subject.

they were appreciated

Highlights the positive reception or value placed on something.

they were learned

Highlights the acquisition of knowledge or understanding through learning.

they were conceived

Focuses on the initial formation or understanding of an idea.

they were envisioned

Implies a mental image or plan that was understood and shared.

FAQs

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

Use "they were understood" to indicate that a group of ideas, people, or concepts were comprehended by a specific audience or group. For example: "Despite their complexity, the concepts "they were understood" by the students".

What are some alternatives to "they were understood"?

Alternatives include "they were comprehended", "they were grasped", or "they were recognized". The best choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "they were understood" or "they are understood"?

The choice between "they were understood" and "they are understood" depends on the timeframe. Use "they were understood" for past events and "they are understood" for current understanding.

What is the difference between "they were understood" and "it was understood"?

"They were understood" refers to a plural subject, while "it was understood" refers to a singular subject. Use "they" when referring to multiple ideas or people, and "it" when referring to a single concept or item.