this must be understood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this must be understood" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when emphasizing the importance of a particular point or concept that needs to be acknowledged. For example, "In order to move forward, this must be understood: collaboration is key." Alternative expressions include "this should be recognized" and "this needs to be acknowledged."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

This must be understood by Yonkers residents themselves.

The New York Times

With the support for both a fresh referendum and the left leadership so high, this must be understood as a battle within Corbynism's support base.

The Guardian - Opinion

There are very real risks for a woman coming forward to disclose this kind of abuse, and this must be understood by all agencies involved".

Independent

The spherical particles of fly ash and the platy particles of metakaolin show opposite effects in each of these areas, and this must be understood and controlled if an effective geopolymer concrete is to be designed.

Advanced Powder Technology

All of this must be understood in the context of enormous international Internet bandwidth growth since 2002.

Computational Social Networks

All of this must be understood in the context of enormous total international bandwidth growth between 2002 and 2011 at all levels of analysis.

Computational Social Networks

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

This quotation must be understood in context: in this passage, Brentano aims at providing one (of six) criteria to distinguish mental from physical phenomena with the aim to define the subjekt matter of scientific psychology – and not to develop a systematic account of intentionality.

SEP

This tension must be understood, and trust must be fostered amongst stakeholders.

International Journal of Medical Informatics

Mr. Fisher believes that this reaction must be understood in historical context.

The New York Times

This competition must be understood to minimize the negative impact of heterotrophic bacteria on an aquaculture system.

Aquacultural Engineering

But this engagement must be understood as strictly transactional, and not as a means to pull Russia back into accepting international norms and values.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ this phrase when transitioning from a general observation to a specific, critical nuance that dictates the validity of your thesis.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase as a generic transition. If the context makes the point obvious, using "this must be understood" can feel pedantic or redundant to the reader. Only use it when the interpretation you are about to provide is non-obvious or vital to the argument.

Linguistic Context

This phrase functions as a modal passive construction used to impart a sense of necessity and objective requirement. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and is frequently used to establish the interpretative framework for a following or preceding argument.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"this must be understood" is a robust and grammatically correct English phrase. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its widespread use across diverse high-authority sectors, from constitutional law to molecular biology. It serves as a powerful rhetorical tool for authors to mandate the interpretation of facts or definitions. Users should utilize it strategically to highlight fundamental premises without overloading the text with excessive directives. Its strong presence in sources like The New York Times and Cornell University highlights its utility in professional and scholarly writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this should be recognized

Shifts from a mandatory 'must' to a slightly more recommendatory 'should'.

this needs to be acknowledged

Focuses on the admission or recognition of a specific fact.

it is essential to understand this

Reconstructs the phrase to emphasize the importance of the cognitive act.

this is to be understood

Uses a more prescriptive, almost legalistic tone often seen in definitions.

this should be kept in mind

Less forceful, suggesting the reader retain the information as they proceed.

this must be taken into account

Implies the information is a necessary variable in a broader analysis.

this must be grasped

Uses a more metaphorical verb for comprehension to suggest a deeper level of understanding.

this ought to be realized

Utilizes 'ought' to suggest a logical or ethical imperative.

one must realize that

Changes the passive voice to an active construction with a general subject.

this requires careful consideration

Focuses on the process of thinking rather than the final state of understanding.

FAQs

How do I use "this must be understood" in a sentence?

You can use it at the beginning of a clause to anchor a fact, such as: "In the context of the new law, "this must be understood" as a temporary measure."

What can I say instead of "this must be understood"?

Depending on the desired tone, you can use alternatives like "this should be recognized", "this needs to be acknowledged" or "this is to be understood".

Is "this must be understood" too formal for an email?

It is quite formal. For a standard business email, consider a softer version like "please keep in mind that" unless you are writing an official report or legal notice.

What is the difference between "this must be understood" and "this should be understood"?

The difference lies in the level of obligation. "this must be understood" expresses a mandatory requirement, whereas "this should be understood" suggests a strong recommendation or a logical expectation.