understood at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "understood at" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific context or location where something is comprehended or interpreted. Example: "The concept was best understood at the seminar where experts shared their insights."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But we understood at least that.

The New Yorker

He understood at least half a chapter of Moneyball.

The Guardian - Sport

"My English couldn't be understood at the time".

The New York Times - Arts

I understood at once that it was an attack.

The Guardian

This, too, was not fully understood at the time.

The New York Times

Meaning it can't really be understood at first.

The New Yorker

To be loathed and understood at the same time".

The Guardian - Film

"We understood at an early age how the levers of power worked".

The New York Times

"I'm not sure what I must have understood at the time, really," he says.

The Guardian

Nothing else need be known or understood — at least at first.

The New York Times - Arts

"We understood, at least for that moment, that we were all in it together," Lewis said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "understood at", ensure the context is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. Specify the time, place, or situation where the understanding occurred for maximum clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "understood at" without specifying the context. For example, instead of saying 'The theory was understood at', specify 'The theory was understood at the conference'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "understood at" functions as a prepositional phrase specifying the context, time, or place where understanding occurs. It modifies a verb, adding detail about where or when the understanding was achieved. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is considered grammatically sound and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

67%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "understood at" is a versatile prepositional phrase that's both grammatically correct and widely used. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. It serves to pinpoint the specific setting in which understanding is achieved, adding clarity to your writing. As seen in examples provided by Ludwig, it appears frequently in news, science, and other contexts, indicating its broad applicability. While generally neutral in tone, it can be used in formal or informal writing based on the surrounding language. Remember to provide a clear context when using this phrase to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "grasped at" or "comprehended at" for subtly different shades of meaning. As the analysis shows, mastering the use of "understood at" can significantly enhance the precision and clarity of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Became clear at

Indicates that something was clarified or made understandable in a specific moment or location, shifting the focus from the act of understanding to the state of being understood.

Comprehended at

Highlights a deeper level of understanding, often implying intellectual grasp in a particular setting.

Realized at

Focuses on becoming aware of something, often suddenly, within a specific timeframe or location.

Grasped at

Emphasizes the act of seizing or understanding something quickly or eagerly. It is more active than "understood at".

Knew at

Emphasizes prior knowledge or familiarity with something in a given timeframe or setting, contrasting with the process of coming to understand.

Discerned at

Implies careful observation and deduction to arrive at understanding in a given situation.

Learned at

Highlights the acquisition of knowledge or skill through experience or study in a particular setting.

Recognized at

Focuses on acknowledging or identifying something within a specific time or place, rather than necessarily understanding it.

Perceived at

Emphasizes sensory or intuitive understanding, rather than intellectual grasp, in a particular context.

Appreciated at

Suggests valuing or acknowledging the importance of something in a particular moment or context, which differs from simply understanding it.

FAQs

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

Use "understood at" to indicate comprehension within a specific context or time. For example, "The implications were fully understood at the meeting."

What's a good alternative to "understood at"?

Consider using "grasped at", "comprehended at", or "became clear at" depending on the nuances you want to convey.

Is "understood at" formal or informal?

"Understood at" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and sentence structure.

What does it mean when something is "poorly understood at" a certain level?

It means that the details or mechanisms of something are not well known or researched at that particular level of analysis, for example, ""poorly understood at" the molecular level".