to be understood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be understood" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the comprehension of what is being said or written. For example: "The instruction needs to be explained more clearly in order to be understood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He needed to be understood.

Independent

To be understood.

The New York Times - Magazine

It needs to be understood in context.

Independent

Rothko, you see, wants to be understood.

The New York Times

We want to be understood.

Harvard University

"He wanted to be understood.

The Guardian

This has to be understood in context.

The Guardian - Books

"To me, that has to be understood.

The New York Times - Sports

That's what needs to be understood.

The Guardian

Those concerns have to be understood.

The Guardian - Opinion

"This is something to be understood.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be understood", ensure the subject that needs understanding is clearly defined within the context. For example, "The argument needs to be understood" is clearer than just "It needs to be understood."

Common error

Avoid using "to be understood" in sentences where it's unclear what or who needs understanding. Always provide sufficient context to prevent ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "It is important to be understood", specify "It is important for the team's goals to be understood".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be understood" functions as an infinitive phrase, often used as part of a larger verb phrase. It describes a state or condition of needing comprehension. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to be understood" is a common and grammatically sound infinitive phrase used to express the necessity or desire for comprehension. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and widely applicable across various contexts. Its primary function is to communicate a need for understanding, whether it's clarifying information or seeking empathy. While suitable for formal settings, its prevalence in news and media renders it appropriate for general use. When using this phrase, ensure the subject is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. Common alternatives include "to be comprehended" and "to be grasped", each carrying slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be comprehended

Focuses more on the mental process of grasping meaning.

to be made sense of

Focuses on the process of understanding something confusing or complex.

to be grasped

Emphasizes the act of seizing or understanding an idea quickly.

to be clear

Focuses on the quality of being easily perceived or understood.

to be appreciated

Highlights the value or merit being recognized, not just understood.

to be interpreted

Emphasizes the act of explaining or understanding the meaning of something.

to be recognized

Stresses acknowledgment or awareness rather than deep comprehension.

to be acknowledged

Implies acceptance or admission of something, not necessarily understanding.

to be deciphered

Suggests that effort or skill is needed to understand something obscure.

to gain acceptance

Stresses the importance of the action to be socially accepted, not just understood.

FAQs

How can I use "to be understood" in a sentence?

You can use "to be understood" to express the need for comprehension or acceptance. For example, "The instructions need to be clear in order "to be understood"", or "He longed "to be understood" by his peers".

What are some alternatives to "to be understood"?

Some alternatives include "to be comprehended", "to be grasped", or "to be recognized" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "to understand" or "to be understood"?

The choice depends on the sentence's focus. "To understand" is active (e.g., "I want to understand"), while ""to be understood"" is passive (e.g., "I want "to be understood"").

What does it mean when someone says they want "to be understood"?

It typically means they desire their thoughts, feelings, or actions "to be comprehended" and validated by others. It's a plea for empathy and acknowledgment.