understood as

USAGE SUMMARY

"understood as" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used when clarifying something that is already understood, or when providing a more formal definition. For example: "The phrase 'out of the box thinking' is understood as creative and unconventional solutions to problems."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's something Yumiko understood as well".

The New York Times

He said it was something that he understood as well.

The New York Times

This process can be understood as follows.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Decorum is now understood as concealment.

The Guardian

It was understood as a source of power.

The New Yorker

Experience was understood as the rediscovery of innocence.

The New Yorker

The sublime understood as a pillar of beauty, that is.

The New York Times

China's Leninist corporatism cannot be understood as a market economy.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Lied should be understood as theatre, as psychodrama.

The Guardian - Arts

The cinematic experience became understood as psychologically contiguous to voyeurism.

The Guardian - Film

Violence against women needs to be understood as a continuum.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "understood as" to clarify how a concept, term, or action is generally perceived or defined within a specific context. It's particularly useful in academic, scientific, and formal writing where precise definitions are important.

Common error

Avoid using "understood as" in very informal or casual conversations where simpler phrases like "means" or "is known as" would be more appropriate. Overusing it can make your speech or writing sound unnecessarily formal or stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "understood as" functions as a linking verb phrase that connects a subject with a description or definition. It clarifies how something is generally perceived or interpreted, as shown in Ludwig's examples: "Experience was understood as the rediscovery of innocence" and "Decorum is now understood as concealment."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

44%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "understood as" is a grammatically sound phrase frequently employed to clarify meanings and interpretations. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and versatility across various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and academic writing. While primarily neutral to formal, it can be used effectively to establish a common understanding. When choosing alternatives, consider options like "regarded as", "interpreted as", or "seen as" to fine-tune the intended nuance. Using "understood as" effectively ensures clarity and precision in your writing, contributing to a more informed and engaged audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regarded as

Emphasizes a general opinion or widespread perception.

interpreted as

Focuses on the act of explaining the meaning of something.

seen as

Highlights a particular perspective or viewpoint.

considered to be

Implies a more formal or deliberate assessment.

taken to mean

Focuses on the inferred or implied meaning.

viewed as

Similar to "seen as", but can also imply a critical assessment.

perceived as

Emphasizes subjective experience and individual interpretation.

construed as

Suggests a specific and potentially debatable interpretation.

recognized as

Highlights the act of acknowledging or officially accepting something.

deemed to be

Suggests a formal judgment or decision.

FAQs

How can I use "understood as" in a sentence?

You can use "understood as" to define or clarify a concept, for example: "In physics, energy is "understood as" the ability to do work."

What's the difference between "understood as" and "defined as"?

"Understood as" implies a common or generally accepted meaning, while "defined as" suggests a formal, precise definition. For example, you can say "That concept is "understood as" a social norm" but "The term 'velocity' is formally "defined as" the rate of change of displacement".

What are some alternatives to "understood as"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "regarded as", "interpreted as", or "seen as".

Is "understood as" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "understood as" is suitable for formal writing, especially when clarifying established meanings or interpretations. However, avoid overusing it, as it may sound repetitive. Consider using synonyms to enhance the text fluidity.