this was understood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this was understood" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has been comprehended or accepted in a previous context. Example: "After the meeting, it was clear that this was understood by all participants."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

This was understood by Alexander Fleming, the discoverer of penicillin.

The Guardian

This was understood to re fleet the position of Dr. Husak.

The New York Times

This was understood as both an aesthetic and political rebuff to French tyranny and autocracy.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He wanted to be sure that this was understood, in case referral elsewhere set back this progress.

The Guardian

It was that tight, although how much of this was understood by the crowd, informed of the possibilities only by an ambiguous explanation on their scorecards, is uncertain.

The Guardian - Sport

This was understood by Raphael Lemkin, the Polish lawyer who coined the word and worked tirelessly to have the annihilation of the Armenians recognised as an international crime.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

In what context can this be understood?

BMC Medical Education

This is understood in Warsaw.

The Economist

How can this be understood?

The New Yorker

This is understood by those defending privilege.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is understood to be a largely automatic process.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this was understood" to clearly indicate that a concept, situation, or agreement was comprehended by a specific group or individual in a past context. This helps establish shared understanding and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "this was understood" in very simple situations where direct statements like "I understand" or "everyone knew" are more concise and effective. Overuse can make writing sound unnecessarily formal or verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this was understood" functions as a declarative statement indicating that a particular fact, concept, or situation had been comprehended or agreed upon at a specific point in the past. Ludwig AI also confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

24%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this was understood" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression that denotes past comprehension or agreement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is commonly found in news articles and scientific literature with a neutral tone. Alternatives like "this was realized" or "this was acknowledged" can be used for subtle variations in meaning. When using this phrase, aim for clarity, avoid overuse in simple contexts, and ensure that the context makes it evident who understood what. This will improve the overall precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this was realized

Focuses on the moment of understanding or awareness.

this was recognized

Highlights the acknowledgement or formal acceptance of something.

this was acknowledged

Emphasizes an open admission or avowal of something.

this was appreciated

Suggests a sense of gratitude or value attached to the understanding.

this was known

Implies prior awareness or familiarity with the subject.

this was inferred

Focuses on the process of deducing or concluding something based on evidence.

this was grasped

Emphasizes the act of seizing or comprehending something quickly.

this was learned

Highlights the acquisition of knowledge or skill through experience or study.

this was gathered

Suggests collecting information to form an understanding.

this was assumed

Implies acceptance of something as true without proof.

FAQs

How can I use "this was understood" in a sentence?

Use "this was understood" to indicate that something was comprehended or agreed upon in the past. For example, "After the presentation, this was understood by all attendees."

What can I say instead of "this was understood"?

You can use alternatives like "this was realized", "this was acknowledged", or "this was recognized" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "that was understood" instead of "this was understood"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "this" typically refers to something closer in context or time. Use "that" when referring to something more distant or previously mentioned.

What's the difference between "this was understood" and "this is understood"?

"This was understood" refers to a past understanding, while "this is understood" indicates a current or ongoing understanding. For example, "The rule was explained yesterday, so this was understood" versus "The rule is clear, so this is understood".