this can be understood as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this can be understood as" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to clarify or interpret a concept, statement, or situation in a specific way. Example: "The results of the study are inconclusive; this can be understood as a need for further research to validate the findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

This can be understood as being grounded in the assumption that the human being is viewed as a whole (c.f. [ 36– 36]).

BMC Geriatrics

"I don't like sarcastic fun," Ms. Gerwig's character declared in "Nights and Weekends," which she directed with Mr. Swanberg, and this can be understood as a statement of artistic purpose.

The New York Times

Since V is the velocity in the direction of galactic rotation, this can be understood as resulting from the presence of stars in the local neighbourhood that have significantly elliptical orbits for which the apparent velocity in this direction is much less than the circular velocity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The reason for this can be understood as follows.

Journal of Theoretical and Applied Physics

This can be understood as a precisification of the idea of a purely mechanical mixture.

SEP

This can be understood as the familiar understanding of substance as a primary existent noted above.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

This effect can be understood as arising from the interference of sequential pulses emanating from a pulsed laser, where the first emitted pulse travels through the reference arm, and the second emitted pulse travels through a shorter sample arm.

Biomedical Optics Express

This ratio can be understood as an efficiency or productivity index where infrastructure (in this case through travel time) yields access to markets, defined in terms of socio-economic potential.

European Transport Research Review

This process can be understood as the field lines wrapping around an obstacle Venus in this case.

Wikipedia

This process can be understood as follows.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Very simply, this rate can be understood as the number of births minus the number of deaths per generation time in other words, the reproduction rate less the death rate.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this can be understood as", ensure the connection between the subject and the interpretation is clear and logical. Provide sufficient context for the reader to follow your reasoning.

Common error

Avoid using "this can be understood as" to present a subjective opinion as an objective fact. Ensure that the interpretation is supported by evidence or widely accepted principles.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this can be understood as" functions as an interpretive device. It introduces an explanation or a particular way of viewing a situation or concept. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

88%

Encyclopedias

6%

News & Media

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this can be understood as" serves as a crucial tool for interpretation and explanation, predominantly within scientific and academic contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical soundness. To effectively employ this phrase, ensure a clear connection between the subject and the proposed understanding, backing up your interpretation with evidence. While the phrase is versatile, avoid its use to present subjective opinions as objective truths. Consider alternatives like "this may be interpreted as" or "this implies" to nuance your interpretations. By adhering to these guidelines, you can leverage "this can be understood as" to enhance clarity and insight in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this could be interpreted as

Changes the auxiliary verb to 'could', suggesting a possibility rather than a definite understanding.

this may be interpreted as

Replaces 'can' with 'may', indicating a potential but not certain interpretation.

this might be construed as

Uses 'construed' instead of 'understood', implying a specific way of interpreting the situation.

this signifies

Uses the verb 'signifies' to indicate that something represents or points to a particular meaning.

this implies

Replaces the phrase with 'implies', suggesting a meaning that is not explicitly stated but can be inferred.

this suggests

Substitutes the phrase with 'suggests', indicating an indirect pointing towards a conclusion.

this is indicative of

Uses 'indicative of' to show that something serves as a sign or indication of something else.

this is tantamount to

Employs 'tantamount to' to equate something to another in terms of effect or value.

the explanation for this is

Restructures the sentence to directly state that an explanation will follow.

this amounts to

Uses 'amounts to' to convey that something is equivalent to a particular outcome or situation.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "this can be understood as" in academic writing?

In academic writing, you can use more formal alternatives like "this may be interpreted as", "this implies", or "this suggests" to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "this can be understood as" and "this can be seen as"?

While both phrases are similar, "this can be understood as" implies a deeper level of analysis and interpretation, whereas "this can be seen as" suggests a more straightforward observation or perspective.

When is it appropriate to use "this can be understood as"?

Use "this can be understood as" when you want to offer a specific interpretation or explanation of a situation, event, or statement, particularly when the meaning is not immediately obvious.

Are there any contexts where "this can be understood as" should be avoided?

Avoid using "this can be understood as" in situations where the interpretation is highly subjective or lacks clear evidence. In such cases, it's better to present your interpretation as a possibility rather than a definitive conclusion.