understood as a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "understood as a" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when explaining how something is perceived or interpreted in a particular context. Example: "The concept of freedom is often understood as a fundamental human right that should be protected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was understood as a source of power.

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

Violence against women needs to be understood as a continuum.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That was when AIDS became understood as a menace.

The New York Times

Gravity can be understood as a curvature of space.

The New Yorker

A single death can be understood as a collective threat.

The New Yorker

Conservatism must be understood as a synthesis of all three.

The New York Times - Books

It may best be understood as a feeling, rather than as an idea".

The New York Times - Books

As historian Peter Linebaugh has said, the commons is best understood as a verb.

The Guardian

Medicine was once understood as a moral profession, with physicians as paladins against disease.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "understood as a" to clearly convey how a concept, idea, or phenomenon is generally perceived or interpreted within a specific context. This helps establish a shared understanding with your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "understood as a" excessively in contexts where an active voice construction would be more direct and engaging. For example, instead of "The policy is understood as a restriction of freedom", consider "People understand the policy as a restriction of freedom".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "understood as a" functions as a verbal phrase indicating how something is generally perceived or interpreted. It is often used to provide context or clarify meaning, as shown by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "understood as a" is a frequently used verbal phrase that serves to convey a general perception or interpretation. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and is widely used across various contexts, particularly in science and news media. It is important to consider the audience and context when employing this phrase, ensuring that the intended meaning is clear and that an active voice isn't a better option.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Interpreted as a

Focuses on the act of assigning meaning based on available information, implying a subjective evaluation.

Regarded as a

Emphasizes a general opinion or assessment held by a group or individual.

Viewed as a

Highlights a specific perspective or angle from which something is considered.

Considered as a

Suggests a more formal or deliberate evaluation leading to a particular classification.

Deemed as a

Implies a judgment or official decision regarding the nature or status of something.

Recognized as a

Highlights the acknowledgment or awareness of something's inherent qualities or characteristics.

Perceived as a

Focuses on how something is sensed or experienced, often implying a subjective impression.

Characterized as a

Emphasizes the defining traits or qualities that distinguish something.

Defined as a

Indicates a precise and formal explanation of the meaning or scope of something.

Conceptualized as a

Highlights the mental representation or abstract understanding of something.

FAQs

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

The phrase "understood as a" is used to explain how something is generally perceived or interpreted. For instance, "In this community, success is often understood as a combination of hard work and integrity."

What are some alternatives to "understood as a"?

You can use alternatives like "interpreted as a", "regarded as a", or "viewed as a" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "understand as a" instead of "understood as a"?

No, "understand as a" is grammatically incorrect in most contexts. "Understood" is the past participle of "understand" and is necessary to form the passive voice construction commonly used with this phrase.

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

"Understood as a" reflects a general perception or interpretation, while "defined as a" indicates a formal or explicit definition. For example, "Love is often understood as a feeling of deep affection", whereas "In mathematics, a prime number is defined as a number divisible only by 1 and itself".